US President Donald Trump will give an important speech before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, detailing his vision for the nation and the global stage. The address, set for 9 PM at the US Capitol (2 AM GMT Wednesday), will showcase Trump’s “America First” agenda and the executive actions he has taken.

This speech occurs six weeks into his presidency and four years after his supporters breached the Capitol following his 2020 election loss.

Government Shutdown Looms as Budget Battle Intensifies

With only 11 days left before government funding expires, a possible shutdown is becoming more probable.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has changed his position, now advocating for a clean continuing resolution (CR) to keep funding at current levels until September 30, instead of endorsing the drastic budget reductions suggested by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“We’re looking to pass a clean CR to freeze funding at current levels to ensure that the government can stay operational,” Johnson informed NBC’s Meet the Press, as cited by Reuters.

Nevertheless, his remarks did not bring Congress any closer to a resolution, with both sides remaining at odds.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the lack of communication from the Trump administration, asserting, “There has been zero outreach from the Trump administration, and House Republicans have abandoned the negotiating table. ”

At the same time, Republican lawmakers are divided on the matter. Some, like Representative Tony Gonzales, reject the CR, asserting, “I am a NO on the CR. Congress needs to do its job and pass a conservative budget! ”

House Republican Don Bacon also expressed concerns, cautioning that a CR would jeopardize military preparedness and compromise national security.

Rising Tensions with European Allies Over Ukraine

Trump is also encountering heightened tensions with European allies, especially concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

A recent confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has intensified worries about Washington’s dedication to supporting Kyiv. European leaders, disturbed by Trump’s unclear position, are uniting to promote a cohesive strategy for peace initiatives.

On Monday, Zelenskyy revealed plans to collaborate with European allies to create conditions for a possible peace agreement prior to engaging with the US.

“We need peace, not endless war,” Zelenskyy expressed on Telegram, as reported by AFP.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron echoed similar views, with Macron suggesting a one-month ceasefire covering air, sea, and energy infrastructures.

Trump Set to Announce Tariffs, Raising Trade War Concerns

Trump is anticipated to announce a new series of tariffs, potentially sparking fresh trade disputes.

US tariffs on Canada and Mexico are set to be implemented on Tuesday, with reports suggesting a potential 25% tariff on imports from both countries, along with a 10% tariff on products from China. However, the specific rates are still being negotiated.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the plans, asserting, “There are going to be tariffs on Tuesday on Mexico and Canada. Exactly what they are, we’re going to leave that for the president and his team to negotiate. ”

Trump had initially suspended duties on Canadian and Mexican imports for 30 days, linking the decision to efforts aimed at reducing illegal border crossings and fentanyl trafficking. With that suspension coming to an end, stricter trade measures are now being considered.

The administration is also contemplating increasing tariffs on China, unless it puts an end to fentanyl trafficking into the US.

Business leaders and economists caution that these measures could trigger retaliatory actions, which might destabilize global markets.

As Trump gets ready for his high-stakes speech, he encounters growing pressure on several fronts, both at home and abroad