(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump claimed sweeping government efficiency gains in his congressional address, announcing immediate freezes on federal hiring, new regulations and foreign aid while highlighting what he characterized as significant waste in government spending.
Trump declared an aggressive approach to government downsizing, stating, “Upon taking office, I imposed an immediate freeze on all federal hiring, a freeze on all new federal regulations and freeze on all foreign aid.”
The president singled out specific spending programs as examples of waste, including an $8 million program promoting LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho, a small African nation.
Trump referenced the Department of Government Efficiency as a key driver of these changes.
He portrayed these cuts as crucial cost-saving measures, though the program was originally initiated by Republican predecessor George W. Bush.
Trump alleged “shocking levels of incompetence” in the Social Security program, stating that government records show 4.7 million Social Security recipients aged 100-109 and 3.6 million members aged 110-119.
The administration also touted withdrawals from international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Human Rights Council, as accomplishments of streamlining government operations.
The president said his administration would balance the federal budget for the first time.
He antagonized Democrats by saying they appreciate the cuts but “just don’t want to admit it.”
NewsNation’s Cassie Buchman and partner The Hill contributed to this report.