Trump stresses trade protectionism in his speech to Congress

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

President Trump's first congressional address of his second term set the tone for his administration's priorities in 2025, touching on trade, foreign policy and national security.

His speech sparked immediate reactions, with some praising his firm stance on economic nationalism while others criticized it as more political posturing than policy making.

From his push to repeal the CHIPS Act to his remarks on South Korea's trade policies and his renewed focus on tariffs, Trump's agenda signals a shift toward a more protectionist and transactional approach.

To break down Trump's latest speech and its broader implications, we invite Min Jeong-hun, Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy into the studio with us. Welcome.

We also connect to our Voice of America correspondent Chris Casquejo from Washington, D.C. Great to have you with us again.

(CHRIS) 1. So Chris, President Trump's first congressional address of his second term concluded a matter of hours ago. What were the key themes of his speech, and how do they reflect his administration's broader strategy moving forward?

(MIN) 2. What about you Professor Min? What were your biggest takeaways from Trump's speech?

(CHRIS) 3. We hear several Democratic lawmakers boycotted the speech, calling it a MAGA rally rather than a policy address. Chris, how deep is the current political divide in Washington, and how could this affect the administration's ability to push its policies through Congress?

(CHRIS) 4. One of the most anticipated topics was Trump's stance on Ukraine, especially as the speech came right after the mineral agreement collapsed. Let me first ask, how is the American public viewing the latest breakdown?

(MIN) 5. Now to Prof.Min, Trump had suggested revisiting the Ukraine-U.S. mineral deal while criticizing past military aid efforts. He mentioned that relevant measures would be taken later this week. What signals does this send about the future of U.S. support to Ukraine?

(CHRIS) 6. Tuesday marked the start of Trump's new tariff measures — 25% ---on Canadian and Mexican products, and an additional 10% on Chinese goods, along with forthcoming agricultural tariffs. Chris, how are businesses and policymakers responding?

(MIN) 7. President Trump has also declared his intention to repeal the CHIPS Act, calling it a "terrible law." Given that this act was crucial in securing semiconductor investments in the U.S., what would be the potential economic and industrial consequences if it were repealed Prof.Min?

(CHRIS) 8. Chris, could you also provide a recap of President Trump's remarks regarding South Korea? What exactly did he say?

(MIN) 9. Professor Min, could you help fact-check his statements? Is it accurate that South Korea imposes tariffs four times higher than those imposed by the U.S.? As far as I understand, the free trade agreement between the two countries remains in effect.

(MIN) 10. So given that Trump pinpointed that the U.S. is supporting South Korea's defense during his speech, should South Korea expect increased pressure on defense cost-sharing or trade concessions, and how can Seoul navigate its relationship with Washington while safeguarding its interests?