'Whatever they tax us, we tax them': Trump reiterates trade policy, says reciprocal tariffs to take effect from April 2

There’s much at stake for both India and the EU but the context of Trump and the US-China rivalry both exacerbate the complexities and builds the urgency

America is back, said US President Donald Trump during his address to the Joint Session of the Congress on Tuesday. The president further said his presidency has seen "swift and unrelenting action" and have accomplished in 43 days what many presidencies have not been able to do in 4 or 8 years. "And we are just getting started," he added.

In a significant proclamation, the president reiterated his stance on trade tariffs and said the reciprocal rates will take effect from April 2. "Whatever they tax us, we tax them," the President said.

"I return to this chamber tonight to proclaim that our momentum and confidence is big and the American dream is surging bigger than ever."

Trump also attacked the democrats for "radical" left policies and slammed previous president Joe Biden as the 'weakest' in history. He also officially announced Elon Musk's department of government efficiency to the house.

Significantly, the US president announced that he intends to expand his investment in critical minerals, a few days after the expected deal with Ukraine fell over public spat with president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

U.S. President Donald Trump's speech to Congress on Tuesday was interrupted within minutes by catcalls from Democratic lawmakers, with one Texas congressman, Al Green, ordered removed from the chamber after he refused to sit down.

"The chair now directs the sergeant at arms to restore order. Remove this gentleman from the chamber," Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said after warning Democrats to maintain decorum.

Green, shaking his walking cane at Trump, appeared to be shouting that Trump did not win a mandate in November's election after the president bragged about the Republicans' victories. As he was led from the chamber, some Republicans sang, "Nah, nah, nah, nah, hey, hey, goodbye."

After Green's departure, Trump said, "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."

The partisan rancor was reflective of the tumult that has accompanied Trump's first six weeks in office, as he has upended U.S. foreign policy, ignited a trade war with close allies and slashed the federal workforce since he took office six weeks ago.

-Highlighting his administration’s efforts to tackle what he called a "national emergency" at the US-Mexico border, Trump claimed that the immigrants chose not to come after hearing his threats.

-Trump also hit out at the Democrats for their lack of support - “There is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy, or to stand, or smile or applaud.

- Trump also claimed that the "interest rates took a big beautiful drop after he took over

- No tax on tips, no tax on overtime and no tax on seniors' social security benefits, Trump announced

- Trump also announced that payment for car purchases will be made tax deductible if the vehicle is made in America