Trump touts renewed peace talks with Ukraine, repeats Greenland claims

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump delivered his first joint address to Congress on Tuesday since his return to power, focusing on Ukraine and Greenland in a record 99-minute speech.

Trump wasted no time outlining what he said were his administration’s achievements, emphasizing what he believes to be an unparalleled level of success in a remarkably short period.

“America’s momentum, spirit, pride, and confidence are back,” Trump declared. “The American dream is surging bigger and better than ever before. It is unstoppable, and our country is on the verge of a comeback the likes of which the world has never witnessed.”

The US president also reflected on the speed and scale of his accomplishments, claiming that his administration had achieved more in just 43 days than most past administrations had in four or even eight years.

“This has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action,” Trump said.

One of the most significant moments in Trump’s speech came when he recited a letter he had received from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.

According to Trump, Zelensky expressed a desire to return to the negotiating table after a previously contentious Oval Office meeting that had broken down peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

He quoted part of the letter, which read, “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to achieve a lasting peace.”

Zelensky also acknowledged America's support for Ukraine, stating, "We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you."

Trump mentioned that he and Zelensky were initially set to sign a minerals deal at the White House on Friday, but the meeting ended in a heated exchange, leading to Zelenskyy being asked to leave.

Trump expressed appreciation for the letter and noted that, “simultaneously, we’ve had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace.”

Trump followed up by adding, "Wouldn’t that be beautiful?", expressing optimism about the possibility of a peace deal and highlighting that both sides might be closer than ever to resolving the conflict, despite the failure of previous talks.

In a marked shift to domestic policy, Trump sharply criticized several nations for what he described as "unfair" trade practices against the US.

He specifically pointed to the European Union, India, Mexico, and Brazil, noting that these countries - and "many others" - had imposed trade policies that disadvantaged American interests.

He declared, "This is happening by both friends and foes," referring to both allies and adversaries that impose high tariffs on American goods.

Trump announced that starting on 2 April, the US would impose "reciprocal tariffs," meaning that the US would impose the same tariffs on countries that levy taxes on American products.

"Whatever they tax us, we will tax them," he said, explaining how the new tariff system would work. Historically, Trump argued, the US has imposed lower tariffs than many of its trading partners, and now it was time to reverse that trend.

This week, the Trump administration imposed significant tariffs on Mexico and Canada. In response, both nations announced retaliatory tariffs, raising concerns that this could spark a full-fledged trade war.

Economists have warned that such a conflict could drive up consumer prices, but Trump remained steadfast in his position that the US had been unfairly treated by foreign trade partners for years.

"We will take in trillions and trillions of dollars and create jobs like we have never seen before," Trump said with confidence, signaling that his administration's tough stance on tariffs would significantly boost the US economy and manufacturing sector.

In particular, he pointed to the US auto industry, which he claimed was "absolutely booming" thanks to a combination of tariffs and his victory in the 2016 election.

He acknowledged that tariffs would create some "disturbance," but assured that the country would be "OK with that."

Trump praised Mexico for its recent efforts to extradite cartel leaders to the US, but he pushed for more action, specifically to combat fentanyl trafficking.

"But we need more from Mexico and Canada to stop fentanyl from crossing the border," he said, calling on Congress to pass a bill that would enhance border security and reduce drug trafficking.

Additionally, Trump reiterated his stance on immigration, stating that his administration had already submitted a detailed funding request to Congress aimed at "carrying out the largest deportation operation in US history."

Trump revisited his controversial interest in acquiring Greenland, a proposal that first gained attention during his first term.

Although the North Atlantic island is a territory of Denmark, Trump suggested that the US would "welcome" Greenland into its fold for national security reasons.

"I think we’re going to get it," Trump said, indicating that he believed the US would ultimately obtain control of the territory "one way or another".

The possible acquisition of Greenland, which is home to a large US military base, has been a long-standing goal for Trump. He framed it as an opportunity to strengthen US national security while also bringing economic prosperity to the country.

"It would make them rich, and it would make us safe," Trump added.

Trump also expressed his desire to "reclaim" the Panama Canal, a remark that seemed to be both an ambitious foreign policy goal and a veiled jab at his Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has faced criticism for his handling of US foreign policy.

Protests were held across the US as Trump made his address, with pro-Ukraine demonstrators gathering outside the Capitol in Washington and large crowds rallying outside the Fox News headquarters in New York. — Euronews