Watching Trump felt like being strapped into a chair and force-fed a steady diet of lies, delusions, and chest-thumping fascist nonsense while an audience of Republican sycophants cheered like mindless drones.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - In his first address to Congress since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump delivered a 100-minute speech filled with grandiose claims and controversial proposals, prompting sharp partisan reactions. He touted his administration's "swift and unrelenting action," including reducing the federal workforce and adopting an assertive foreign policy, such as reclaiming the Panama Canal and seeking peace in Ukraine. Trump also announced plans for a new trade war with major trading partners and praised advisor Elon Musk for cost-cutting efforts, though some claims were disputed. The address highlighted deep political divisions, with Republicans applauding and Democrats protesting or walking out, underscoring the polarized state of American politics.

Somebody please slap me and wake me the hell up—because I refuse to accept that this is reality. Donald Trump just gave his first speech to Congress since clawing his way back into the White House, and it was exactly what we feared: a rambling, self-congratulatory, authoritarian manifesto disguised as a prime-time address. Watching it felt like being strapped into a chair and force-fed a steady diet of lies, delusions, and chest-thumping fascist nonsense while an audience of Republican sycophants cheered like mindless drones.

Trump’s speech wasn’t just bad—it was terrifying. It was an open declaration that he plans to rule with unchecked power, flanked by billionaire oligarchs like Elon Musk, while gutting the programs and institutions that actually serve the American people. In just six weeks, he’s already turned the government into his personal playground, and his speech was a victory lap drenched in hypocrisy, arrogance, and a disturbing lack of self-awareness.

Democrats Fought Back—But It’s Not Enough

Democrats, still boxed out of power in both chambers, were left with few ways to push back. Some, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Chris Murphy, refused to even attend, unwilling to participate in the farce. Those who showed up made their objections clear—turning their backs, holding up protest signs reading No Kings, Save Medicaid, Musk Steals, and refusing to applaud Trump’s parade of fiction.

But Trump, ever the insecure showman, used their resistance as a prop for his victim complex. “These people sitting right here will not clap, will not stand, and certainly will not cheer for these astronomical achievements,” he whined, as if he deserved a standing ovation for dismantling democracy in record time. The irony of a man who thrives on grievance politics complaining about other people’s lack of enthusiasm was almost too much to stomach.

Some Democrats weren’t content to sit in silent protest. When Trump had the audacity to preach about “law and order,” members of Congress fired back, shouting “January 6!”—a sharp and necessary reminder that this man inspired a violent attack on our democracy. Rep. Al Green of Texas took it even further, heckling Trump so forcefully that Speaker Mike Johnson ordered him removed from the chamber. Green, undeterred, declared afterward that it was worth it to make sure the American people know that not everyone is willing to roll over. And he’s right.

Trump’s Love Letter to Putin and Attack on America’s Allies

One of the most nauseating moments of the night was Trump’s absolute betrayal of Ukraine, signaling his willingness to abandon our allies while cozying up to Vladimir Putin. In the official Democratic response, Sen. Elissa Slotkin torched him for it, invoking Ronald Reagan—yes, a Republican—who must be spinning in his grave.

“President Trump loves to promise ‘peace through strength’,” she said. “That’s actually a line he stole from Ronald Reagan. But let me tell you, after the spectacle that just took place in the Oval Office last week, Reagan must be rolling over in his grave.”

She’s right. If Trump had been president during the Cold War, the Soviet Union wouldn’t have needed to collapse—we would have surrendered to it.

A Nightmare Dressed as a Leader

Then came one of the most honest responses of the night, from Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who summed up what so many of us are feeling:

"Somebody slap me and wake me the fuck up because I’m ready to get on with it.”

Same, Congresswoman. Same. Because this is not America. Not the America we fought for, not the America that claims to stand for democracy, not the America we should accept.

Trump’s speech wasn’t just a disgrace; it was a warning. He’s back, he’s more unhinged than ever, and if we don’t fight like hell to stop him, the next time he speaks to Congress, it won’t be as a president—it will be as a dictator.

A Litany of Lies

Trump's speech was a masterclass in misinformation. He falsely claimed that the United States has provided $350 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russia's invasion, a figure grossly inflated from the actual $120 billion. He boasted about uncovering "hundreds of billions" in government fraud through Elon Musk's cost-cutting measures, yet documentation reveals savings of under $9 billion, none involving actual fraud. These fabrications are not mere slips of the tongue but deliberate attempts to mislead the American public.  theguardian.com

Divisive and Dangerous Rhetoric

Beyond the lies, Trump's rhetoric was alarmingly divisive. He vilified immigrants, painting them as criminals and threats to national security, a narrative that fuels xenophobia and hatred. His comments on transgender individuals were not only insensitive but also harmful, stripping away the rights and recognition of an already marginalized community. Such language from the nation's leader is not just inappropriate; it's perilous.

An Assault on Democratic Values

Perhaps most concerning is Trump's apparent disdain for democratic principles. He praised his withdrawal from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, isolating the United States from the global community. His threats to impose tariffs on allies such as Canada and Mexico jeopardize our diplomatic relationships and economic stability. Moreover, his blatant disregard for factual information undermines the very foundation of an informed electorate, essential for a functioning democracy. theguardian.com

The Path Forward

In these trying times, it's imperative that we, as citizens, remain vigilant and hold our leaders accountable. We must demand truth, transparency, and a commitment to the values that have long defined our nation: equality, justice, and respect for all. Only then can we hope to steer our country back toward unity and progress.