Trump addresses US Congress on military strengthening

Plus national security initiatives

During his first address to a joint session of the US Congress on March 4, 2025, US President Donald J. Trump outlined the significant strides made in strengthening the US military and national security, focusing on recruitment, defence technology, and a revitalised approach to American industry.

His remarks painted a picture of a military reborn under his leadership, and he committed to further boosting the nation’s defence capabilities.

Trump began his speech by touting the success of his executive orders since taking office, particularly those aimed at revitalising military recruitment. One of his earliest actions as president was to sign an executive order that abolished diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes within the federal government.

This was followed by a message from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that mirrored the president’s focus on meritocracy, accountability, and readiness. Trump explained that the military would no longer prioritise ideologies but instead focus on strength, discipline, and the fundamental mission of defending the nation.

“Our service members won’t be activists and ideologues,” Trump asserted. “They will be fighters and warriors. They will fight for our country.”

Trump revealed that these changes have dramatically impacted military recruitment, noting that January 2025 marked the US Army’s best recruitment month in 15 years. He also emphasised that all branches of the armed forces are experiencing their highest recruiting numbers in history.

“I am pleased to report that in January, the US Army had its single best recruiting month in 15 years and that all armed services are having among the best recruiting results ever in the history of our services,” Trump said. What a tremendous turnaround. It’s really a beautiful thing to see people love our country again… they love our country, and they love being in our military again.”

In addition to strengthening recruitment, Trump outlined plans for a new “Golden Dome” missile defence system, a US-made shield designed to protect the homeland from inbound missile threats.

He referred to it as the United States’ answer to Israel’s “Iron Dome,” a defence system that intercepts missiles and provides critical protection to the nation. Trump said that although President Ronald Reagan had once envisioned a similar system, the technology to make it a reality was not available at the time.

“Israel has it, other places have it, and the United States should have it, too,” Trump stated. “This is a very dangerous world. We should have it. We want to be protected. And we’re going to protect our citizens like never before.”

Trump’s speech also highlighted a revival of the American shipbuilding industry, which he described as being in decline. He announced plans to create a new “Office of Shipbuilding” in the White House and offered tax incentives to stimulate both military and commercial shipbuilding in the United States.

“We are also going to resurrect the American shipbuilding industry, including commercial shipbuilding and military shipbuilding,” Trump said. “I am announcing tonight that we will create a new Office of Shipbuilding in the White House and offer special tax incentives to bring this industry home to America, where it belongs.”

Trump also committed to ramping up the domestic production of critical minerals and rare earth elements, which are essential for defence systems and commercial technologies. Rare earth elements are vital for a range of military equipment, including aircraft, submarines, and unmanned vehicles. Expanding domestic production, Trump argued, would strengthen both the military and the broader US economy.

“Later this week, I will also take historic action to dramatically expand production of critical minerals and rare earths here in the USA,” Trump announced.

In a poignant moment, Trump concluded his speech by announcing the capture of the terrorist responsible for the 2021 Abbey Gate attack in Afghanistan. This attack, which occurred during the US withdrawal, resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members. Trump declared that the mastermind behind the atrocity had been apprehended and would soon face justice.

“I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity, and he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice,” Trump said.

Image: US President Donald J. Trump delivers his second term’s first address to a joint Congress session at the Capitol, on March 4, 2025. Credit: White House