White House

President Trump calls for 'merit-based' immigration system, stresses efforts to jumpstart economy in first address to Congress

Trump: Need a merit-based immigration system
VIDEO2:1002:10
Trump: Need a merit-based immigration system

President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday for the first time as questions swirl around how quickly he can enact his broad agenda.

Trump stressed his efforts so far to achieve his agenda and bring jobs and investment back to the U.S., including measures to cut back on regulation and withdrawing from the TPP.

He recapped his efforts to develop a blueprint for corporate tax reform to increase America's competitiveness while also providing tax relief for the middle class.

The president called on Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare with "reforms that expand choice, increase access, lower costs, and at the same time, provide better Healthcare."

Trump also addressed the safety of Americans, pledging to take a hardline stance against 'radical Islamic terrorism.' He mentioned recent anti-Semitic activity, including threats targeting Jewish community centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries.

Trump faces a tough task in quickly repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act and reforming the American tax code, among other tasks. Differences likely linger among top White House officials and within the Republican-controlled Congress on how exactly that agenda will look.

CNBC's full coverage of Trump's speech:
Trump takes hardline stance against 'radical Islamic terrorism'
Trump calls for new government agency for 'victims of crime' by immigrants
Trump calls for 'merit-based' immigration system in address to Congress
US could have been rebuilt three times with leader who knew how to 'negotiate,' Trump says
Trump's deportation plans will be costly
Democrats sit on their hands during President Trump's address to Congress
Trump: My administration was propelled to power by a 'chorus that became an earthquake'
Trump talks up taxes at the border — but again provides no specifics
'The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding': Trump
Read President Trump's full prepared remarks for his first address to Congress
Former Kentucky Gov. Beshear to defend Obamacare in Democratic response to Trump
Trump's sprawling agenda faces peril on both sides of the aisle
Top GOP senator: It will be 'difficult' to get key House tax proposal through Congress
Trump's first budget proposal will call for $54 billion increase in defense spending