President Donald Trump is set to deliver a speech to Congress this week, a key moment in his presidency as he continues to exert significant executive power. Over the past month, he has used his authority to push his agenda, both domestically and internationally.
The address will take place in the House chamber, a space marked by historical significance. It was here that lawmakers were forced to shelter four years ago while a mob of Trump’s supporters breached the Capitol. The same chamber also hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who received praise for his efforts to resist Russia’s invasion in the early stages of the war.
Since his reelection, Trump has taken bold actions that challenge established norms and federal structures. With the support of key figures, including billionaire Elon Musk, he has dismissed thousands of federal employees, shut down agencies, and criticized Ukraine’s leadership while shifting U.S. policy closer to Russia.
Amid mounting legal challenges—over 100 cases have been filed contesting his administration’s actions—Trump is challenging the other branches of government, including Congress and the judiciary, to intervene.
Representative James Clyburn, a senior Democrat, has suggested that the country is already in the midst of a constitutional crisis, rather than merely approaching one.
Trump is expected to push the limits of his executive power as he turns to Congress to advance his agenda, including tax cuts and other key legislative priorities. While only Congress has the constitutional authority to allocate or withhold funds, Trump’s administration has raised questions about the boundaries of this power.
Trump also faces the need for Congressional approval to prevent a government shutdown, as funding is set to run out on March 14, and to secure a resolution to avert a potentially damaging debt default.
With Republicans controlling the White House, the House, and the Senate, Trump holds a significant advantage, but his political influence is also bolstered by financial support from figures like Musk, whose substantial contributions have strengthened his position.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has aligned himself closely with the president, expressed enthusiasm about Trump’s efforts to reduce government waste, fraud, and inefficiency. Johnson dismissed concerns about excessive executive power, calling them “nonsense,” and emphasized that Trump is following through on his campaign promises.
In contrast, Democrats, after their electoral defeat, are beginning to organize resistance. They are challenging Trump in court, filing amicus briefs to protect federal workers, and proposing legislation to serve as a check on the president’s policies. However, as the minority party, their influence is limited. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has rejected calls for a boycott of Trump’s address, emphasizing that the House belongs to the people. Instead, Democrats are inviting former federal workers, who were let go under Trump’s administration, to attend as their guests.
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