PRESIDENT Donald Trump vowed to end the war in Ukraine as he revealed he had received a letter from Volodymyr Zelensky and that Vladimir Putin was “ready for peace”.
The commander-in-chief, 78, made his first historic and fiery address to Congress of his second term in office.
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Donald Trump told Russia and Ukraine to ‘stop this madness’Credit: AFP
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President Donald Trump gestures before delivering a speech to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber in Washington DCCredit: Reuters
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Trump was joined by Rep. Mike Johnson (R-TX) and Vice President JD Vance as he delivered his speechCredit: The Mega Agency
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President Trump was expected to address Congress on his early achievements of his presidency and his upcoming legislative agendaCredit: The Mega Agency
He revealed potential for peace between Russia and Ukraine after three years of war on Tuesday night as a spoke to a packed house in Washington DC.
Trump brushed off trouble-making Democrats who attempted to disrupt the speech and doubled down on his goals as President.
He said: “The American Dream is unstoppable.”
During his 100-minute address, Trump said Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky wrote him a letter begging for America’s help to end the war.
“The letter reads, ‘Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer’,” Trump said.
“‘Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you.’ I appreciate that he sent this letter. Just got it a little while ago.”
He also said Russia has given him “strong signals” they are ready for the war to end after the president had “serious discussions” with the country’s leaders.
Trump asked: “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”
He added: “It’s time to stop this madness and halt the killing.”
Trump also slammed Europe for spending more on buying Russian oil and gas than on defending Ukraine, saying it was “by far” the largest expense.
Moment Rep Al Green is KICKED OUT of Trump Congress speech as petty Democrats try to cause chaos with signs and walkouts
He claimed the U.S. had spent “perhaps $350billion” on Ukraine, while Europe had contributed “only $100 billion,” despite being geographically closer to the conflict.
Comparing the situation to “taking candy from a baby”, he added: “2,000 people are being killed every single week – more than that.
“They are Russian young people, they’re Ukrainian young people.
“They’re not Americans, but I want it to stop.”
The key moments from Trump’s first Congress address…
- Petty Democrats refuse to stand as Trump enters the room
- Representative Al Green is thrown out just minutes into the address
- Republicans give suited Elon Musk a standing ovation as Trump applauds his DOGE efforts
- Trump slams ‘total mess’ that he inherited from Biden
- Democrats hold signs protesting the Trump administration and walk out during his address
- Trump doubles down on reciprocal taxes coming April 2
- Tells politicians he’s ‘reclaiming’ the Panama Canal
- Trump reveals a surprise letter he received from Zelensky and insists Russia has given him ‘strong signals’ they are ready for peace
The update comes just days after a meeting between Trump and Zelensky spiraled into chaos in front of the world on February 28.
Trump publicly scolded Zelensky and warned he’s gambling with World War 3 as reporters from around the world watched the historic spat before the Ukrainian president was walked out of the White House.
In the argument’s fallout, Trump made a U-turn and paused US aid to Ukraine, meaning the country was left without their supply of billions of dollars’ worth of battle tanks, missiles, and air defense systems.
But Zelensky on Tuesday afternoon said he is ready to work “under Donald Trump” and “regretted” his brutal Oval Office row with the President, even though he stopped short of an apology.
The Ukrainian leader also shared stages for his own peace plan that would involve bringing all parties to the table and included a ban on missiles and drones and releasing POWs.
In a post on X, Zelensky said that he is willing to work “under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts”.
The Ukrainian president added in the bombshell post that “none of us wants an endless war” and that “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.”
FIERY SPEECH
On Tuesday night, Trump kicked off his highly anticipated speech in the House chambers with triumphant remarks, prompting Republicans to celebrate loudly while Democrats resorted to multiple methods of protesting.
The president arrived 15 minutes late to the event but was greeted with chants of “USA” from the excited crowd of lawmakers and special guests – while some Democrats stayed seated.
The House chambers then descended into a chaotic zoo as Democrats booed and Republicans cheered when the president kicked off his speech by proclaiming, “America is back!”
House Speaker Mike Johnson had to jump in to demand order from the crowd – but one Democrat leader stayed standing and yelling.
We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in four years or eight years.”
President Donald Trump
Congressman Al Green continued to cause a scene as he protested Trump, raising his cane and shouting, “He has no mandate!”
Johnson then ordered officials to escort Green out of the chamber, causing cheers and singing to break out from the Republican side.
Trump then continued his address, saying: “We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in four years or eight years,” before promising “we are just getting started.”
He boasted that he ended diversity initiatives and enforced only two legally recognized genders.
“Our country will be woke no longer,” he said.
He promised he was setting out to “make America affordable again.”
“You inherited a total mess from the previous administration,” he added as a dig at former President Joe Biden.
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First Lady Melania Trump arriving before Donald Trump’s joint addressCredit: 2025 Getty Images
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Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene wearing a hat reading ‘Trump was right about everything’Credit: AFP
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Trump kissed Marjorie Taylor Greene on the cheek after addressing the joint session of CongressCredit: Getty
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Elon Musk wearing a suit at Trump’s addressCredit: AFP
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Cancer survivor Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel gestures as he is made an honorary Secret Service agent on the day of Trump’s Congress speech
Trump then set out to discuss his recent crackdown on immigration, the new Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk.
He recognized a suited Musk, which prompted a standing ovation, marking a trend in the night as the speech was repeatedly interrupted by applause and ovations.
The President also granted 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel the honorary title of United States Secret Service agent during his address.
Daniel has been battling brain cancer since 2018, is now the youngest ever to hold the title.
Just before Trump went on to speak out against electric vehicles, several House Democratic lawmakers walked out of the address.
Dems, including Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Jasmine Crockett, were seen walking out of the address wearing t-shirts saying “resist.”
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Representative Al Green shouting and gesturing with his cane as Trump speaksCredit: AP:Associated Press
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Michigan Democrat Representative Rashida Tlaib holding up a white board reading ‘that’s a lie’ as Trump speaksCredit: AFP or licensors
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US Representative Nancy Pelosi listening to Trump’s speechCredit: AFP or licensors
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Members of Congress holding up signs protesting Trump during his speechCredit: AP
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New Mexico Representative Melanie Stansbury holding a sign reading ‘this is not normal’Credit: AFP or licensors
The speech comes as prices in America continue to rise in light of the trade war with China – and costs might continue to skyrocket due to Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports.
The steep tariffs on America’s three largest trading partners went into effect at 12:01 am on Tuesday, sparking swift retaliation tariffs from Canada and China.
Trump said during his address that tariffs will “make America rich again” after Biden took the country “the lowest we’ve ever been.”
He also proposed to make his tax cuts permanent and said he wants to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime.
Leading Dems, including New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and multiple state senators, snubbed Tuesday night’s event.
“I’m not going to the joint address,” AOC wrote on BlueSky, adding that she would post about it on the platform instead before livestreaming on Instagram later.
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy also said he wouldn’t be attending the joint address out of protest, calling it a “farce.”
“I think it’s gonna be a Maga pep rally,” Murphy told CNN.
“We have to fight every single day, every single day.”
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Trump and Zelensky butted heads in the Oval Office on FridayCredit: The Mega Agency
Melania Trump’s guest list
The first lady’s guest list includes:
- Corey Comperatore’s family
- Allyson and Lauren Phillips, the mom and sister of Laken Riley
- Stephanie Diller, widow of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller
- Marc Fogel, a teacher recently freed from Russian detention
- Fogel’s mom, Malphine
- Alexis Nungaray, the mom of slain 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray
- Roberto Ortiz, an agent with Customs and Border Protection
- Payton McNabb, former high school athlete
- January Littlejohn, a parents’ rights advocate
- Steelworker Jeff Denard
- Elliston Berry, a 15-year-old victim of deepfake pornography
- Former foster child Haley Ferguson
While Democratic leaders skipped out on the speech, First Lady Melania Trump shared her 15-person guest list for the speech ahead of the event.
Melania, who was greeted with a standing ovation, was seated with the widow and daughters of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was killed in the attempted assassination of Trump at his rally on July 13, 2024.
The first lady also invited the mother and sister of Laken Riley, a Georgia college student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant while on a run last February.
“These men, women, and families come from all different walks of life with incredible stories about the disaster wrought by the previous administration, and the historic achievements President Trump has already enacted,” the White House said.
FAMILY AFFAIR
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Donald Trump Jr. cozying up with Bettina Anderson ahead of the joint addressCredit: AFP or licensors
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Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump at the joint session addressCredit: Getty
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Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos were also in the galleryCredit: Getty
Trump was supported by multiple family members in the audience on Tuesday.
Donald Trump Jr. was seen in the House chambers, along with Ivanka, Tiffany, Lara, and Eric Trump.
Trump’s youngest, Barron, was the only son absent from his dad’s joint address.
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene was also seen wearing a red hat saying, “Trump was right about everything!”
Over 100 protestors were on site while Trump prepared to give his speech.
Protestors were seen with posters and shouting as they crowded outside the Capitol building.
Attendees also protested Trump in subtler ways as dozens of Democratic lawmakers were seen arriving in the House chamber wearing pink.
Plus, some lawmakers held up signs accusing Trump of lying as he was speaking.
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First Lady Melania had a 15-person guest list for Tuesday night’s addressCredit: Reuters
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Alexis Nungaray, mother of the late Jocelyn Nungaray, left, and Lauren Phillips, sister of the late Laken Riley, right, watch as border patrol agent Roberto Ortiz gestures as President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of CongressCredit: AP
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Demonstrators with U.S. and Ukrainian flags rally near the U.S. Capitol ahead of Trump’s address to a joint session of CongressCredit: The Mega Agency
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One protester held an ‘Americans support Ukraine’ sign outside the Capitol buildingCredit: The Mega Agency
DEM REBUTTAL
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, 48, gave the Democratic rebuttal to Trump’s address on Tuesday night.
Slotkin encouraged Democrats to stay hopeful about the future – but also warned about the effects of Trump’s tariffs.
“If he is not careful, he could walk us right into a recession,” the senator said.
She also said former President Ronald Reagan wouldn’t approve of Trump’s handling of the Ukraine-Russia war.
“President Trump loves to say peace through strength,” Slotkin said.
“That’s actually a line he stole from Ronald Reagan. But let me tell you, after the spectacle that just took place in the Oval Office last week, Reagan must be rolling in his grave,” she said, referring to Trump’s spat with Zelensky.
She then added, “As a Cold War kid, I’m thankful it was Reagan and not Trump in office in the 1980s.
“Trump would have lost us the Cold War.”
Following Trump’s fiery address, his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, praised him for “owning the moment.”
“He showed the world why the American people overwhelmingly re-elected him to serve in the highest office in the land.
“Democrats reminded us they are the party of insanity and hate — they could not even clap for a child battling cancer, or mothers who lost their children.
“President Trump is restoring common sense. The renewal of the American Dream is well underway, and we are just getting started!”
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Elissa Slotkin, 48, gave the Democrat rebuttal to Trump’s addressCredit: Reuters
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New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a House Committee meeting in Washington DC on February 26, 2024Credit: The Mega Agency
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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC on February 28, 2025Credit: Alamy
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