Dr. Howell Shaw

Founding Pastor, Dwell AJC

March 6, 2025

The 47th President Donald J. Trump’s joint address to Congress on March 4, 2025, was his first in his second term and lasted nearly 100 minutes, making it the longest in modern history. Delivered six weeks into his presidency, the speech outlined his agenda and resonated with the American People.

Acknowledgments of God

In his speech, President Trump directly or indirectly acknowledged God six times. Here are some highlights: 

1. In the beginning of his address, President Trump directly acknowledged God: “I believe that my life was saved that day in Butler for a very good reason. I was saved by God to make America great again.” Here he confessed that his survival of the assassination attempt was for a divine purpose. This statement underscored his belief in divine intervention, reinforcing his understanding of his divinely ordained mission to restore America’s greatness. 

2. In a section opposing sex changes for children, President Trump stated, “…our message to every child in America is that you are perfect exactly the way God made you.” This emphasized traditional values, directly invoking God’s creation to affirm biological identity. 

3. In a broader reflection on national resilience, Trump observed, “…that same strength, faith, love and spirit is still alive and thriving in the hearts of the American people.” He reinforced that Faith is a part of American character, acknowledging its central role in the nation’s spirit and our American identity. 

4. In his closing remarks, President Trump declared, “With God’s help, over the next four years, we are going to lead this nation even higher…” and “Thank you. God bless you, and God bless America.” This emphasized his belief in divine assistance and a national blessing. 

Economic Revival Through America-First Policies

President Trump opened with a bold declaration of “The Renewal of the American Dream,” a phrase that captures his vision for economic prosperity and self-reliance, core tenets of conservative ideology. He championed reciprocal tariffs set to commence on April 2, 2025, as these measures would protect American jobs from unfair foreign competition and restore economic independence. He highlighted TSMC’s $100 billion commitment to U.S. chip manufacturing plants as evidence of early success, underscoring his belief in deregulation and market-driven growth. This focus on manufacturing resurgence and energy dominance, particularly through reversing previous cuts to oil and gas leases, was presented in stark contrast to what he described as the Biden administration’s economic mismanagement, citing high egg prices due to avian flu as an example of inflationary pressures under prior leadership.

Securing the Border, Restoring Law and Order, and Jocelyn Nungaray’s Case

A significant portion of the address was dedicated to immigration. President Trump called for the “largest deportation operation in American history,” framing it as essential for reestablishing national sovereignty and protecting American citizens from the unchecked invasion of illegal aliens. He shared the tragic story of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray who was killed by illegal aliens in Houston, using it to highlight the urgency of border security and the human cost of open borders. He signed an executive order to rename a wildlife refuge in her honor. President Trump also reported that illegal border crossings had dropped significantly. (My research shows that there were 29,116 apprehensions in January 2025, compared to 124,220 in January 2024, a decrease of 76.5%.)

Draining the Swamp with DOGE

President Trump’s praise for Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was a highlight, as he positioned it as a direct assault on the unaccountable and bloated federal bureaucracy, AKA “The Swamp.” He described DOGE’s efforts to slash wasteful spending and fire ineffective federal workers as a move to “return democracy to the people,” aligning with the push for limited government. While acknowledging some early stumbles, Trump hailed these actions as revolutionary steps toward efficiency, warning obstructive bureaucrats to not interfere. This resonated with the American People who are tired of career Deep State insiders undermining our duly elected leadership, restoring power to the electorate. 

Rejecting Globalism in Foreign Policy

On foreign affairs, President Trump doubled down on the America-First doctrine. He reiterated withdrawals from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, as these shackled U.S. sovereignty to globalist agendas. He hinted at a potential mineral deal with Ukraine’s Zelensky to expedite peace, showcasing pragmatic dealmaking over what he sees as endless foreign wars and killing. His mention of ending conflicts in Gaza signaled a focus on American interests, aligning with the idea of strength without overreach. 

Tackling Inflation and Energy Independence

President Trump addressed domestic economic challenges by promising to reverse inflation, explaining how the Biden administration was responsible for the “economic catastrophe” that hit everyday Americans hard. His solution was to boost domestic energy production, reversing cuts to oil and gas leases. This pledge to “bring back wealth” through deregulation and fossil fuel dominance was a promise to those who believe free markets, not government intervention, are the path to prosperity.

Confronting the Left’s Overreach

His address was not “politically correct.” President Trump opposed affirmative action, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and transgender rights, particularly in schools and sports, earning applause from those who see such policies as divisive, un-American, and non-Biblical. He voiced these stances as a defense of biological reality and parental rights, aligning with traditional values that conservatives view as under threat from progressive agendas. This cultural warrior approach was unapologetic, reinforcing his narrative of restoring America’s moral fabric against what he portrayed as the left’s overreach.

The Golden Age of America

In his closing remarks, President Trump declared, “The golden age of America has only just begun,” communicating his optimistic vision for the future. This closing note was an unexpected highlight, energizing the American People. 

Polling Results

Polls showed a positive reaction among viewers. A CBS News poll found most viewers liked his plans on immigration, wasteful spending, and Ukraine, with a majority approving tariff plans. A CNN poll reported 70% of viewers had a positive reaction, with 44% very positive.

Summary

I praise and thank God for bringing President Trump into office. He is truly the Cyrus for our times, and is being used mightily by God to bring Righteousness back into our Federal Government. We must, however, keep the momentum moving towards Good and not Evil by continuing to engage with the Public Square. God has mercifully given us a window of opportunity to purge the evil that is in our local and state governments (Prov 29:2) by our prayers (Eph 6:12) and actions (James 2:26)! 

Certainly, prayer for our National and Local Government is our most important supernatural weapon. But what material actions can we do? 

1. We can make our voices heard by commenting on all the bills that are being submitted in the Nevada Legislature by signing up for a free NELIS account. (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025)

2. We can show up to the many opportunities to learn about what your government is doing. To that end, I have been led to begin a monthly meeting called “Henderson Conservatives.” We will meet the fourth Thursday of every month from 6-8 PM to hear from our local and state public servants, and to discuss what we as a community should do. Please email hendersonconservatives@gmail.com for more info. 

3. We can learn more about your responsibility as a Biblical Citizen by taking the “Biblical Citizenship” Course I offer for free. My next class starts Sunday 3/9 for three weeks. It is in person, and we meet in Henderson. Email patriotcoachhowell@gmail.com for registration information.

Prov 29:2 KJV

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

Eph 6:12 KJV

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

James 2:26 KJV

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.