‘Just getting started’: Trump speech on DOGE, budget and border
President Donald Trump used his remarks before a joint session of Congress to spell out his vision for the next four years.
President Donald Trump’s first joint congressional address since returning to the White House was full of viral moments, including disruptions from opponents on the left and shoutouts to special guests.
In his address, Trump drilled down on inflation, immigration, anti-DEI efforts and DOGE’s sweeping cuts to the federal government, vowing that his administration is “just getting started.”
“Now it is our time to take up the righteous cause of American liberty,” Trump said.
Trump‘s address to Congress Tuesday also set a new record for the longest speech with the president beating President Bill Clinton’s record by more than 10 minutes. Trump spoke for one hour, 39 minutes and 32 seconds, according to data compiled by the University of California- Santa Barbara’s The American Presidency Project.
Trump delivered his remarks in the presence of family members, including wife Melania Trump, and close allies such as Elon Musk, government officials and protesting Democrats.
While the main objective of the address was for Trump to lay out his plans for the next four years, guests and attendees used it as a platform to make a fashion statement or, in case of the Democrats, register their protest. Here’s a look at what key attendees including Melania Trump, Elon Musk and Usha Vance wore to the address.
Melania Trump
Melania Trump, who received a standing ovation as she entered the House chamber, donned a gray skirt suit for the event.
The wool tweed blazer, which featured a removable scarf with fringe detailing, appeared to be made by Dior and retails for $5,500 on the fashion giant’s website. Melania paired the blazer with a matching skirt, completing the look with a black belt.
For the event, the first lady was joined by Elliston Berry of Aledo, Texas, a victim of an AI-generated, sexually explicit “deepfake” image, and Haley Ferguson of Spring Hill, Tennessee, a former foster child who is the recipient of a scholarship instituted during Trump’s first tenure as first lady. The two women represent the causes Melania champions for.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk brought arrived at Trump’s address wearing a dark suit with a blue tie. Notably absent from his look was any sign of DOGE or MAGA merch, which was has been on display during appearances in the Oval Office and in the administration’s first Cabinet meeting.
Some critics pointed out Musk’s casual attire at the White House when Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced pushback over not wearing a suit during his visit to Washington.
The tech billionaire also got a shoutout from his boss during the speech.
“Thank you very much. We appreciate it,” Trump said during his speech, looking up to where Musk was seated in the House gallery.
The billionaire and tech entrepreneur saluted back in response to the acknowledgment, while Democrats booed at the mention of Musk.
Democrats in pink
More than 30 Democratic women attended Trump’s address wearing pink outfits to protest the impacts of Trump’s policies on women.
“Pink is a color of protest & power. We’re sending a message: Trump’s policies are devastating women,” Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., had said in a post on X prior to the address. “He’s raising grocery prices, he’s stealing health care, & he’s threatening our safety.”
Some Democratic men were seen with yellow and blue ties in a show of solidarity with Ukraine following Trump’s confrontation in a diplomatic meeting with Zelenskyy last Friday.
The democratic lawmakers also registered their protest with multiple black signs with white letters saying: “Save Medicaid,” “Musk Steals” and “Protect Veterans,” with “False” written on the back.
Jennifer Rauchet, Pete Hegseth’s wife
Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s wife Jennifer Rauchet attended the event wearing a light pink suit with a silk necktie, coincidentally matching the protesting Democrats.
Usha Vance
Second lady Usha Vance attended Trump’s address in a monochromatic outfit in shades of ivory. She wore a white top, an oversized blazer and pleated trousers in cream, accessorizing her look with a small gold necklace.
Ivanka Trump
Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, attended the event in a dark outfit featuring a tweed peplum blazer with orchid appliqués around the shoulder and waist, and husband Jared Kushner by her side. Her skirt suit was by Oscar de la Renta, Women’s Wear Daily reported.
Contributing: Riley Beggin, James Powel, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
