Takeaways from Trump's Address to Congress
Ask students: Why was Democratic Congress member Al Green removed from the audience for Trump's speech? What did President Trump want from Democrats in the audience?
On March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress of his second term. While similar to a State of the Union address, a president's first speech in front of Congress after the election is not considered a State of the Union address (you can learn more about why that is here).
The entire address is available at this link, or you can watch the highlight clips at the top of this post. You can also read and respond to this story on takeaways from the speech.
Discussion Questions
- How did Trump frame or summarize the impact of his return to the White House?
- Why was Democratic Congress member Al Green removed from the audience for Trump's speech?
- What did President Trump want from Democrats in the audience?
- Who did Trump blame for the current state of the economy, and why?
- Where did Trump suggest a peace deal might be imminent?
Focus Questions
What specific plans offered in the clips above caught your attention? Do you think President Trump offered a realistic plan or path to accomplishing his goals? Which do you think might have the biggest impact on the future of the U.S. and the world?
Media literacy: How can you find out how the public reacted to Trump's address to Congress?
Extension Activity
Whenever the president addresses Congress, there is a tradition of the opposition party choosing a representative to give a response. This year, that response was given by Democratic Michigan senator Elise Slotkin. You can watch her response below.
After watching some or all of the response, discuss — how does Slotkin's speech show a contrasting vision of the future of the country from President Trump's? Are there any points of agreement?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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