Protesters Rally outside US Capitol As Trump Delivers First Address to Congress
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Demonstrators gathered outside the US Capitol on Tuesday as President Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress, condemning his administration’s policies while Trump declared, "America is back".
More than 100 protesters assembled outside the Capitol ahead of Trump’s speech, criticizing his administration—particularly Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency—for what they described as a slide into "fascism".
Many wore masks, and a protest leader, speaking through a megaphone, warned that a counter-protester was taking photos, offering masks for anonymity.
A small number of Capitol Police officers monitored the scene, while counter-protesters remained scarce.
Inside the chamber, Democrats protested Trump’s address with signs reading "No King!" and "Save Medicaid." Some turned their backs as he spoke, while Representative Al Green of Texas interrupted the speech’s opening moments, shouting that Trump lacked a mandate to cut safety net programs.
Republicans are pushing a spending bill that would significantly reduce funding for social programs, including Medicaid, to finance Trump’s proposed tax cuts.
House Speaker Mike Johnson directed the sergeant-at-arms to remove Green, who waved his cane as he was escorted out. Speaking to reporters afterward, Green defended his outburst, stating, "It's worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president’s desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security."
With Republican control of both chambers, any impeachment attempt against Trump is unlikely to move forward.
As Trump's speech extended to a record-breaking hour and 30 minutes, about a third of the Democratic side of the chamber emptied. The remaining Democrats left as Republicans rose for a standing ovation at the speech’s conclusion after 100 minutes.
Trump dismissed their concerns.
"I look at the Democrats in front of me, and I realize there is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy or to make them stand or smile or applaud, nothing I can do," Trump said. "These people sitting right here will not clap, will not stand, and certainly will not cheer for these astronomical achievements."
A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Tuesday showed that 44% of Americans approve of Trump's job performance so far, with 51% disapproving.
