During Congress Address, Trump Refers to Zelenskyy's Letter and Announces 'Historic Decision' on Rare Earth Metals
US President-elect Donald Trump addressed lawmakers on the evening of Tuesday, 4 March, and set a new record for the longest speech at a joint session of both houses of Congress, which this time reached 1 hour and 39 minutes.
The previous longest speech in Congress was delivered by Bill Clinton on 27 January 2000. Then, according to The American Presidency Project, he spoke for 1 hour and 28 minutes when he addressed the nation on the state of the Union, Ukrinform reports.
During his first speech to Congress since his inauguration, US President Donald Trump announced a ‘historic decision’ on rare earth metals, which he plans to announce this week.
According to Trump, the decision will involve a significant expansion of critical materials and rare earth metals mining in the United States.
He stressed that this would be an important step to ensure the country's strategic independence and industrial development.
‘Later this week, I will also take a historic action to significantly increase the production of critical materials and rare earth metals here in the United States,’ Trump said.
‘One million people have already died in this conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We have sent billions of dollars to support Ukraine. Do you want it to go on for another 5 years? 2,000 people are killed every week. Young people are dying - both Ukrainians and Russians. Europe has spent more money buying gas from Russia than on defending Ukraine. We have invested 300 billion, Europe has invested 100 billion. But there is an ocean between us, and they are next door,’ the US president added.
‘I received a letter from Zelenskyy. They want to return to negotiations. And no one wants peace more than Ukraine. America under Trump's leadership will move to achieve peace. Ukraine is ready to sign the agreement. And we are happy about that. Russia has said that they are ready too. And that's great,’ Trump said.