by Mick the Ram

In the opening lines of what would turn out to be the longest speech delivered to the US Congress, Donald Trump proclaimed that America was “back” with a “golden age” lying ahead.

The joint session lasted for approaching two hours and was greeted repeatedly by thunderous applause from his Republican masses, whilst it drove the opposition Democrats – who he taunted throughout – to leave the room in huge numbers.

The president tore into his predecessor Joe Biden, labelling him the “worst president in American history” and even described himself as the most successful, better even than George Washington!

Mr Trump repeated his vow for the US to acquire Greenland, stating: “we’re going to get it – one way or the other” and added that his administration would “reclaim” the Panama Canal, something he had also previously promised.

He also found time to be scathing of numerous African countries who he said were unfairly benefiting from US aid, singling out Lesotho for his most severe criticism when he disrespectfully called it a country that “nobody has ever heard of”.

Heckler removed

As the president addressed a raucous House, the Speaker, Mike Johnson, had to demand order on several occasions and even had to call on the sergeant-at-arms to remove Al Green – a Texas Democrat – from the hall after he repeatedly heckled the president.  

Mr Trump brazenly touted his “achievements” since taking office, as well as repeating what are already known to be falsehoods.

“Just getting started”

Relentlessly, the president lambasted Mr Biden and his policies during the 99-minute speech, in which he declared: “The American Dream is unstoppable, and our country is on the verge of a comeback the likes of which the world has never witnessed, and perhaps will never witness again.”

He boasted that he had accomplished more in his opening 43 days than most administrations manage in four or eight years, adding: “And we are just getting started”.

Singing his own praises to the lawmakers – as only he can – the president stated that he has directed that for every one new regulation, ten old regulations must be eliminated, suggesting that in his previous term in office he set records on ending unnecessary rules and regulations like no other president had done before.

Questionable claims

Mr Trump claimed that he inherited an “economic catastrophe” from the former president, however that claim can be very much called into question.

The US economy was growing at an annual rate of 2.3% in the final quarter of 2024 under the previous administration; it expanded by 2.8% over that year as a whole.

Indeed, the International Monetary Fund estimates that the country’s growth rate for 2024 was in fact faster than any other nation in the G7.

Democrat accusations

Whilst this was going on there were signs displayed on the Democrat side of the room which suggested: “This is a Lie”.

Choosing to ignore the placards, Mr Trump instead tried to appeal to the good nature of his rivals by proposing: “For just one night, why not join us in celebrating so many incredible wins for America, for the good of our nation? Let’s work together and let’s truly make America great again.”

Wasteful spending

The president has made no secret of his wish to expand the US influence in other parts of the world and he reiterated his designs on Greenland and the Panama Canal.

He went on to list a number of African countries which he said his predecessor had wastefully spent millions of dollars, insisting that the likes of Liberia, Mali, Mozambique and Uganda were all places unfairly benefiting from US aid.

Unheard of?

His most pointed remark on the subject was aimed towards Lesotho, which he said was a country “nobody has ever heard of” despite receiving $8m to promote LGBT rights.

The Foreign Affairs Minister of Lesotho – which is completely encircled by South Africa – Lejone Mpotjoane, said it was “shocking” to hear a head of state refer to another sovereign state in that manner. “Lesotho is a member of the UN and of a number of other international bodies; plus the US has an embassy here in Maseru (the capital),” he reminded the president.

It is the only independent state in the world that lies in its entirety 1,000 meters (3,281 ft) above sea level, and has one of the most intimidating landing strips anywhere, with a short runway and long drops at both ends.

With that in mind, were he ever to visit, it is a safe bet that Mr Trump would never forget the exact whereabouts of Lesotho in future addresses.