"America Will No Longer Be Woke," Declares Trump in Major Congress Address

Washington, D.C. – In his first address to Congress since returning to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States would no longer be "woke," emphasizing that future employment and governmental decisions would be based strictly on merit, skill, and competence rather than identity-based factors.

"Hiring Will Be Based on Skill and Competence"

Addressing a joint session of Congress, Trump reaffirmed his stance against identity politics, stating that all professionals, whether doctors, accountants, or air traffic controllers, should be hired based on their qualifications, not race or gender.

“We believe that whether you are a doctor, an accountant, or an air traffic controller, you should be hired on the basis of skill and competence, not race or gender,” Trump asserted.

He referenced a recent Supreme Court decision that, according to him, has reinforced this principle in the official policy of the U.S. government.

Major Announcements: Free Speech, English as Official Language

During the speech, Trump took credit for "restoring free speech" in America, citing an executive order signed earlier this week that designated English as the official language of the United States.

Additionally, he made headlines by renaming the 'Gulf of Mexico', though he did not provide details on the new designation.

"America Is Back" – Trump's Vision for the Future

Entering the chamber to thunderous applause, Trump opened his address with the declaration:

“America is back.”

He reiterated his administration's ambitious agenda, stating: “We are just getting started. Our confidence is back, and the American Dream is surging bigger than ever before.”

The speech came amid a turbulent first six weeks in office, during which Trump has taken a series of controversial executive actions that have reshaped U.S. foreign policy, triggered economic uncertainty, and strained diplomatic relations with key allies.

Tensions Over Trade and Ukraine

Trump's aggressive trade policies were another focal point of the speech. His recent tariff hikes on Mexico, Canada, and China have sent U.S. markets into decline for the second consecutive day, raising concerns among investors and businesses.

His decision to halt all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, announced just a day before the speech, has further heightened tensions with European allies. The move followed a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Trump publicly criticized Kyiv’s approach to the conflict.

While Trump has previously suggested that Ukraine bears partial responsibility for the ongoing war, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 70% of Americans, including two-thirds of Republicans, believe Russia is the primary aggressor.

A Historic Return to the Capitol

Trump's return to the House of Representatives chamber carried historical significance. Just over four years ago, in January 2021, the Capitol was the site of the infamous attack by Trump supporters who sought to overturn his 2020 election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden.

Now, standing before Congress once again, Trump projected strength and confidence, signaling that his administration intends to pursue a bold and uncompromising agenda in the months ahead.

With his April 2 tariffs set to take effect and policy changes already making waves, the coming weeks are expected to further shape the direction of his presidency—and test his ability to navigate domestic and global challenges.