The Excerpt: March 5th, 2025 – A Deep Dive into Trump’s Address, National Guard Issues, and More
Introduction
Welcome to The Excerpt, a daily podcast from USA TODAY. Today, Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, we unpack a busy news day. We’ll start by dissecting President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, explore a controversy surrounding House Republicans and town halls, delve into the Trump administration’s plan to sell federal buildings, and investigate newly revealed documents detailing racism and harassment within the National Guard. Finally, we’ll touch on Ash Wednesday and the growing popularity of cannabis drinks.
Trump’s Address to Congress: A Nation Divided
President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress last night was a spectacle of political polarization. To understand the atmosphere and the implications of his speech, we turn to Susan Page, USA TODAY’s Washington Bureau Chief.
"This is a country divided, and this was a house chamber divided, too," Page explained. The Republican side of the chamber was a constant wave of standing ovations for President Trump, while most Democrats remained seated, expressing their dissent through silence. Congressman Al Green was even escorted out for heckling, highlighting the deep chasm between the two parties.
Trump, in his address, boldly claimed unprecedented success in his first 43 days in office, a claim that drew stark reactions from both sides. He defended every position he has taken, including his controversial tariffs, even as the stock market reacted negatively. "He expressed doubt about none of them," Page noted, emphasizing Trump’s unwavering confidence.
Elon Musk’s presence in the gallery added another layer to the event. Trump acknowledged Musk’s contribution to cutting wasteful spending, signaling a strong alliance between the administration and the tech mogul. However, this partnership has come at the cost of numerous federal job losses, sparking further debate.
Trump used the address to reiterate his legislative priorities, most notably a tax bill. But unlike traditional State of the Union addresses, this speech focused less on a laundry list of legislative demands and more on celebrating executive actions already taken.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the address was the lack of outreach to Democrats. "There was basically no outreach to Democrats," Page observed. "There was instead an acknowledgement that they were divided and that they would never be on the same side." This divisive approach could create challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson, who needs Democratic votes given the narrow Republican majority in the House.
Looking ahead, Trump reiterated his determination to pursue controversial policies like taking over Greenland and controlling the Panama Canal. His speech served as a clear indication of his agenda and leadership style, leaving no room for doubt about his future direction.
House Republicans Retreat from Town Halls Amid Protests
House Republicans are being instructed to curtail in-person town halls amidst growing discontent over federal cuts implemented by the Trump administration. Speaker Mike Johnson has labeled the attendees of these town halls as "professional protesters" and "paid troublemakers," echoing similar sentiments from President Trump.
While liberal groups have encouraged participation in these town halls, there is no concrete evidence to support claims that attendees are being paid. The backlash stems from widespread concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency efforts, led by Elon Musk, which have resulted in significant federal job losses and agency restructuring.
The decision to limit in-person town halls raises questions about transparency and accountability in government. It also highlights the challenge of engaging with constituents in an era of heightened political polarization.
Trump Administration Plans to Sell Federal Buildings
The Trump administration has announced plans to sell 443 federal properties, including the headquarters of numerous federal agencies like the FBI. This decision, announced shortly before Trump’s address to Congress, has sparked controversy.
Many of the buildings slated for sale are either on the National Register of Historic Places or have recently undergone extensive renovations. The FBIs J. Edgar Hoover building, in particular, has been awaiting Congressional approval for a replacement for years.
The General Services Administration estimates that the sale of these properties could save the government over $430 million in annual operating costs. However, the timing of the announcement, coupled with the order for federal employees to return to full-time office work, raises questions about the administration’s priorities.
National Guard Bureau Documents Reveal Racism and Harassment
Newly revealed documents from the National Guard Bureau expose incidents of racism and harassment occurring across the country. USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler provides crucial details on this exclusive story.
The investigation began with a 2015 incident where a Black sergeant in the National Guard was punished by having a chain placed around his neck. USA TODAY filed a Freedom of Information Act request in 2021 to uncover the extent of discrimination within the National Guard. After a lengthy legal battle, the bureau released hundreds of pages of discrimination complaints spanning seven years. The investigation revealed 34 or 35 complaints that reached the highest level of review within the National Guard.
One notable case involves a gay soldier in Idaho who discovered his new commander’s anti-LGBTQ views on social media. The soldier filed a complaint, leading to the commander’s removal and reprimand. The commander is now suing the state, claiming unfair removal.
Other cases include sexual harassment in the Kentucky Air National Guard, where a female physician’s assistant was denied advancement after refusing a superior’s sexual advances. Another case involves an Iraq War veteran in Maryland who alleges he was passed over for a promotion due to his race.
Penzenstadler explains that the complaint process is lengthy, often taking months or years. Complaints are initially filed with the individual’s command, and if unresolved, can be escalated to the National Guard Bureau.
The revelations come at a time when Pete Hegseth, the new Secretary of Defense, has publicly criticized diversity efforts in the military. This raises concerns about the administration’s commitment to addressing discrimination within the ranks.
Ash Wednesday and the Rise of Cannabis Drinks
Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and giving in preparation for Easter.
Also, cannabis drinks are gaining popularity, prompting questions about responsible consumption. Staci Gruber, director of Marijuana Investigations for Neuro-Scientific Discovery at McLean Hospital, advises consumers to proceed with caution, allowing ample time for the effects to manifest before consuming more.
Conclusion
Today’s Excerpt covered a wide range of important topics, from President Trump’s address to Congress and controversies surrounding town halls and federal building sales, to the disturbing revelations about racism and harassment within the National Guard. We also touched on Ash Wednesday and the growing trend of cannabis drinks. Thank you for listening. Join us tomorrow for another edition of The Excerpt from USA TODAY.
