The president also spotlighted tax cuts, and border measures. Rep. Al Green was escorted out of the chamber for heckling.
Trump Delivers Record-Length Speech to Joint Session
WASHINGTON—Trump’s speech tonight broke the record for the longest address before a joint session of Congress. It was 1 hour and 40 minutes long.
The previous record was held by President Bill Clinton, who spoke for 1 hour and 28 minutes in 2000.
GOP Lawmaker: Zelenskyy’s Letter to Trump a ‘Positive Step’
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s letter to Trump was a “positive step” toward a process to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“Look, we all know Vladimir Putin started the war. We all know Vladimir Putin is a vile dictator and thug. We all know that Ukraine falling would be a disaster for Eastern Europe and the free [world],” Lawler said.
Lawler said Trump is making the point that the longer the war “drags on, the more devastating the consequence will be for Ukraine, and that it is imperative that we bring this conflict to an end, that we strengthen the economic relations between the U.S. and Ukraine, which certainly Russia is not going to be happy about.”
“But ultimately, you have to be able to get both sides to the table if you’re going to negotiate a peace [deal],” Lawler said.
He said he has had talks with the administration about the conflict, but declined to elaborate.
By Jackson Richman and Nathan Worcester
Republicans Criticize Democrats for Not Applauding Guests
WASHINGTON—Republicans criticized Democrats for not applauding throughout Trump’s speech, especially for some of the guests.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (D-Wis.) lambasted Democrats.
“I really wish that they would grow up,” he said.
Van Orden pointed to DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old cancer survivor “who wanted to be a law enforcement official, who was made an honorary member of the Secret Service, held up by his father—and the Democrats refused to clap.”
Van Orden also noted that Democrats did not applaud for family members of Laken Riley, who was murdered by an illegal immigrant in February 2024.
“Those things are beyond politics,” he said.
Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) said he could have “done without some of the hysterics that we saw, particularly on the Democratic side, the protests.”
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said the “Democrats couldn’t even stand for a kid with cancer.”
“I just thought, how pitiful is that? How bad of an example is that for America? We all stood for Biden when he said things we agreed with, and then they just didn’t,” Burchett told reporters, referring to DJ Daniel.
Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) told The Epoch Times he walked out when Trump was talking about Ukraine.
By Nathan Worcester, Emel Akan, Stacy Robinson and Jackson Richman
Slotkin Positions Democrats as Defenders of Democracy
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), delivering Democrats’ response to the president’s speech, positioned her party as the defender of democracy against Trump’s “reckless” change.
“Our democracy, our very system of government, has been the aspiration of the world, and right now, it’s at risk,” Slotkin said in her televised rebuttal.
Although the freshman senator acknowledged that November’s elections indicated a strong national desire for change, she stressed that “there’s a responsible way to make change and a reckless way,” suggesting that the president’s sweeping policy changes exemplified the latter.
Also a former CIA analyst, Slotkin said she knew what life was like under “rigged” governments and had watched other democracies “flicker out.” She called on viewers at home to become actively involved in protecting the United States from that fate.
“And I promise that I and my fellow Democrats will do everything in our power to be the principled leaders that you deserve,” she said.
Trump Expresses Appreciation for Letter From Zelenskyy
WASHINGTON—Trump said he received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that he is ready for peace and ready to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump read aloud the letter, which said, in part, “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.”
Earlier on social media, Zelenskyy posted a message that Ukraine is ready for a cessation of the conflict and appreciates the support it has received from the United States. He also expressed regret for the contentious Oval Office meeting on Feb. 28, which derailed an economic agreement with the United States.
Trump, who paused U.S. aid to Ukraine Sunday night, did not say if or when it would restart.
Trump Vows to Reclaim Panama Canal
Trump said his administration is set on reclaiming the Panama Canal to bolster national security.
“And we’ve already started doing it,” he added, noting an earlier announcement by a BlackRock-led consortium that it was purchasing several ports along the canal, including those at both entrances, which are currently held by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison.
The United States built the Panama Canal and retained operational control of the waterway until treaties signed by President Jimmy Carter gradually ceded that control to Panama. Under the terms of that agreement, the canal must remain a neutral trade route.
“But that agreement has been violated very severely,” Trump said, referencing the Chinese regime’s influence in the region. “We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”
Trump: No Child Is ‘Trapped in the Wrong Body’
WASHINGTON–Trump called on Congress to pass a law “permanently banning and criminalizing sex changes on children and forever ending the lie that any child is trapped in the wrong body.”
He called that “a big lie” and said his message to every child in America was that “you are perfect, exactly the way God made you.”
Earlier in his speech, Trump reiterated that there are only two sexes: male and female.
Trump has signed executive orders related to gender—in particular, one targeting funding for organizations that perform what he called “surgical and chemical mutilation.” That order has been blocked by two federal judges.
By Sam Dorman
Trump Says US Will Acquire Greenland ‘One Way or the Other’
WASHINGTON—Trump reiterated statements made over the past five years about his desire for the United States to take possession of Greenland.
“I also have a message tonight for the incredible people of Greenland,” Trump said. “We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America.”
He said the island, the largest such in the world and currently an autonomous territory overseen by Denmark, is important to national security.
“We’re working with everybody involved to try and get it, but we need it really for international world security,” Trump said. “And I think we’re going to get it one way or the other.”
He promised to protect the approximately 56,000 residents and improve the quality of life.
“We will keep you safe, we will make you rich, and together, we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before,” Trump said.
“It’s a very small population, but a very, very large piece of land and very, very important for military security.”
Trump Announces Apprehension of Top Terrorist
WASHINGTON– Trump announced that the United States has apprehended the top terrorist behind the Abbey Gate bombing during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members.
He said that the terrorist is being transported to the United States to face justice.
Trump Announces New Office of Shipbuilding
The president announced his intention to “resurrect” the U.S. shipbuilding industry, starting with the creation of a new White House Office of Shipbuilding.
“We used to make so many ships. We don’t make them anymore very much, but we’re going to make them very fast, very soon. It will have a huge impact,” Trump said.
Trump Informs West Point Applicant He’s Been Accepted
Trump informed Jason Hartley, a young man in attendance at the president’s speech on Capitol Hill, that his application to West Point has been accepted.
DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old cancer survivor who aspires to become a police officer and was made an honorary Secret Service agent moments earlier, went over and high-fived Hartley.
Daniel and Hartley appeared to be examples of Trump highlighting America’s youth looking to serve the United States.
Rep. Green Says Trump Has ‘No Mandate to Cut Medicaid’
WASHINGTON—After Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was ejected from the House chamber, he said that he “was making it clear to the president that he had no mandate to cut Medicaid.”
Green said he wanted the president “to know that his budget calls for deep cuts in Medicaid.”
The congressman seemed to be referring to the budget proposed by House Republican leadership that has put the program’s future funding in question. Both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have said that Medicaid won’t face cuts.
Green was also asked whether yelling during Trump’s speech was the best way to get his message across.
“It is the best way to get it across to a person who uses his incivility, who uses his incivility against our civility,” Green responded.
The Texas congressman, who was ejected after shouting and raising his cane during Trump’s speech, also said that he was “willing to suffer whatever punishment is available to me.”
He added that punishment was “worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president’s desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.”
Trump has said he wouldn’t touch any of those programs.
By Sam Dorman
Trump Salutes Border Patrol Agent Roberto Ortiz
WASHINGTON—Trump took time during his speech to acknowledge Border Patrol agent Roberto Ortiz, who he called “a warrior on the front lines.”
The president said Ortiz and his fellow agent were patrolling an area near the Rio Grande in Texas when they were ambushed by cartel gunmen.
“Roberto saw that his partner was totally exposed, in great danger, and he leapt into action, returning fire and providing crucial seconds for his fellow agent to seek safety, and just barely,” he said.
“Ortiz, we salute you for your great courage…and for the bravery that you showed. We honor you, and we will always honor you.”
Trump’s nod to Ortiz followed his comments on action his administration has taken against transnational gang activity.
On Feb. 20, the State Department designated drug cartels and several foreign-based gangs—including Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and El Salvadoran gang MS-13—as terrorist organizations.
This designation enables the government to take action against American entities that provide support to these gangs.
Trump Calls for Death Penalty for Cop Killers
Trump called on Congress to pass legislation imposing a mandatory death sentence for anyone who kills a police officer.
“I’ve already signed an executive order requiring a mandatory death penalty for anyone who murders a police officer, and tonight I’m asking Congress to pass that policy,” Trump said.
He made the request after making a promise to Stephanie Diller, the widow of slain New York Police Department officer Jonathan Diller.
‘We’re going to make sure that [her son] Ryan knows his dad was a true hero, New York’s finest,” Trump said. “And we’re going to get these cold-blooded killers and repeat offenders off our streets.”
Trump Pledges Focus on Health With RFK Jr. at Helm
WASHINGTON—Trump introduced Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his speech and said his administration is committed to improving the health of Americans of all ages.
The president cited studies that show cancer rates have increased by more than 40 percent over the past 50 years.
“Reversing this trend is one of the top priorities for our new Presidential Commission to Make America Healthy Again,” Trump said.
“Our goal is to get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of our food supply, and keep our children healthy and strong.”
Highlighting skyrocketing rates of autism, which he said has grown over the years from one in 10,000 Americans to about one in 36, the president vowed to identify potential causes.
He said Kennedy, tasked with overseeing the commission, is the best person for the job.
“We’re going to find out what it is and there’s nobody better than Bobby and all of the people that are working with you,” Trump said. “You have the best to figure out what is going on.”
Child Cancer Survivor Gets Honorary Secret Service Credential
WASHINGTON— Trump gave a shout-out to 13-year-old cancer survivor DJ Daniel, who aspires to become a police officer.
The president had Secret Service Director Sean Curran make Daniel an honorary Secret Service agent.
Land Renamed in Honor of Girl Killed by Illegal Immigrants
WASHINGTON—Trump announced that he is renaming a 34,000-acre national wildlife refuge near Houston after 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungary, who was allegedly killed by illegal immigrants from Venezuela last year.
Two members of the notorious gang known as Tren de Aragua were arrested and charged with sexually assaulting and murdering the young girl and are currently facing the death penalty.
Nungary’s mother, Alexis, was in attendance and shed tears when the president told the crowd of his intentions.
“The death of this beautiful 12-year-old girl and the agony of her mother and family touched our entire nation greatly,” Trump said. “Alexis, I promised that we would always remember your daughter, your magnificent daughter, and earlier tonight, I signed an order keeping my word to you.”
Vice President JD Vance handed the order to the president, which Trump displayed to the crowd, showing his signature on the document.
Trump Honors Laken Riley
WASHINGTON—Trump remembered Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student in Georgia who was murdered by an illegal immigrant in February 2024.
The murderer was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Trump also noted that the first piece of legislation he signed in his second administration was the Laken Riley Act, which requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal immigrants charged or convicted of certain crimes such as theft.
Trump Applauds Senate Passage of Bill Criminalizing Revenge Porn
The president alerted members of Congress to the presence of 15-year-old Elliston Berry of Aledo, Texas, in the House Gallery.
Berry was 14 years old when a classmate published on social media computer-generated, non-consensual intimate imagery—commonly called revenge porn—of her face on a nude body.
Her fight to get the images taken down served as the inspiration for the Take It Down Act, a bill that would criminalize the publication of, or threat to publish, such material online.
Trump noted that, with Berry’s help, the bill recently passed the Senate.
“And once it passes the House, I look forward to signing that bill into law.”
Tariffs Expected to Generate Trillions in Revenue: Trump
WASHINGTON—Trump said his trade policies will remain centered around tariffs that are designed to boost foreign investment in the United States and balance multi-billion-dollar trade deficits—with a goal of bringing in trillions of dollars into the president’s new “external revenue service.”
“If you don’t make your product in America … you will pay a tariff, and in some cases, a rather large one,” Trump said.
“Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn to start using them against those other countries.”
He said reciprocal tariffs will be imposed on any nation that levies fees on American products.
“Countless other nations charge us tremendously higher tariffs than we charge them. It’s very unfair.” Trump said. “This is happening by friend and foe.”
A series of tariffs—including 25 percent fees on goods from Canada and Mexico and 20 percent in addition to those already imposed on China—took effect today, and reciprocal tariffs are set to take effect on April 2.
“Whatever they tax us, we will tax them,” Trump said. “We’ve been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on Earth, and we will not let that happen any longer.”
While critics have suggested the tariffs could cause inflation, the president rejected the notion and said any impact would be temporary.
“There’ll be a little disturbance, like we’re okay with that,” Trump said. “It won’t be much.”
Trump Pledges End of ‘Rule by Unelected Bureaucrats’
Trump denounced the federal bureaucracy’s near century of expansion, which he said has “held back America’s potential in every possible way.”
“The nation founded by pioneers and risk-takers now drowns under millions and millions of pages of regulations,” he said.
Trump also criticized the many federal workers who do not work in an office full-time, saying that they are not “showing up to work.”
“My administration will reclaim power from this unaccountable bureaucracy, and we will restore true democracy to America again,” he said.
“Any federal bureaucrat who resists this change will be removed from office immediately because we are draining the swamp,” he added. “The days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over.”
Trump Urges Repeal of Signature Biden Legislation
WASHINGTON—Trump called on Congress to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act, a key piece of legislation enacted in 2022 under President Joe Biden.
The measure sought to boost the industries manufacturing semiconductors and other processor chips.
“Your CHIPS Act is a horrible, horrible thing. We give hundreds of billions of dollars, and it doesn’t mean a thing. They take our money,” Trump said, referring to companies that received money under the bipartisan legislation.
“You should get rid of the CHIPS Act, and whatever is left over, Mr. Speaker, you should use it to reduce debt or any other reason you want to,” he continued, referring to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Trump: ‘I Want to Balance the Budget’
WASHINGTON—Trump announced during his joint address to Congress that he will pursue a balanced federal budget during his second term.
“I want to do what has not been done in almost 24 years: Balance the budget,” Trump said. “We are going to balance the federal budget.”
Trump made the remarks after speaking about savings identified by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) totaling more than $105 billion.
A balanced federal budget is a longtime goal of many Republicans, but it is not an issue Trump has historically addressed directly.
He said part of achieving this would be the implementation of a “gold card” program—which he described as being “like a green card but better”—under which foreigners could pay $5 million for a path to citizenship.
By Joseph Lord
Trump Pushes for Permanent Tax Cuts
WASHINGTON—Trump called for permanent tax cuts for all Americans and for Republicans to pass his tax agenda.
“I’m sure you’re going to vote for those tax cuts because, otherwise, I don’t believe the people will ever vote you into office,” he said.
He reiterated his call for no taxes on tips, Social Security benefits, and on overtime.
Congressional Republicans are looking to pass a major bill that includes making the 2017 income tax cuts permanent. The bill would also include provisions related to energy and the border.
DOGE Cuts, Spending Reductions Highlighted
WASHINGTON—Trump described more than $105 billion in savings identified by his newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during his speech.
Saying that “shocking levels of fraud and corruption” and “appalling waste” have already been identified, the president listed a series of projects eliminated with the help of DOGE.
Some programs that no longer receive funding include those providing resources for illegal immigrants, billions for diversity, equity, and inclusion agendas, and a project intended to make mice transgender, among many others.
Trump introduced special government employee Elon Musk, tasked with advising the president and overseeing DOGE, and commended him for his service and commitment to cutting wasteful spending.
The president said the money saved will be used to draw down the national debt, address inflation, and balance the national budget.
“We’re going to put more money in the pockets of hardworking American families,” Trump said.
Trump Touts Executive Action on Women’s Sports
WASHINGTON—Trump highlighted the executive order he signed to ban males from being in private female areas. One order declared that it is the official policy of the United States that there are two sexes—male and female—and that Title IX applies to women, not men who identify as transgender females.
Trump introduced his first guest in the gallery, Payton McNabb, who suffered injuries while playing volleyball against a male player.
The president reiterated that programs that receive Title IX funding that allow for males in female sports could lose federal funding.
Democratic Lawmakers Protest During Trump’s Speech
WASHINGTON—During Trump’s address, congressional Democrats held up signs that read “Musk Steals,” apparently referring to White House adviser Elon Musk and actions taken by his Department of Government Efficiency.
Other signs read “Save Medicaid.”
Some congresswomen wore pink jackets. “Pink is a color of protest & power. We’re sending a message: Trump’s policies are devastating women,” Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) posted on social media.
Earlier in the day, multiple congresswomen gave a press conference outside the Capitol building with a sign that reads: “Trump Betrays Women for Billionaire Tax Cuts.”
By Sam Dorman
Trump Touts Record-Low Illegal Border Crossings
Trump heralded the falling number of illegal crossings at the southern border.
He attributed the change to his declaration of a national emergency at the border and his deployment of the U.S. military to join Border Patrol agents to “repel the invasion of our country.”
“And what a job they’ve done,” Trump said. “As a result, illegal border crossings last month were by far the lowest ever recorded—ever. They heard my words and they chose not to come.”
Trump Says Democrats Won’t Give Him Credit
WASHINGTON—Trump criticized the Democrats for what he said was refusing to give him credit.
“This is my fifth such speech to Congress, and once again, I look at the Democrats in front of me, and I realize there is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy or to make them stand or smile or applaud, nothing I can do,” he said.
“I could find a cure to the most devastating disease, a disease that would wipe out entire nations, or announce the answers to the greatest economy in history, or the stoppage of crime to the lowest levels ever recorded,” he continued.
“And these people sitting right here will not clap, will not stand, and certainly will not cheer for these astronomical achievements.”
By Sam Dorman
Rep. Green Escorted Out of Chamber
WASHINGTON— Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was escorted out of the House chamber by the Sergeant at Arms.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) gave a warning to members to behave before Green was ejected.
“Members are remembered to maintain and uphold decorum in the House,” he said.
Democrats jeered, while Republicans chanted “USA.”
Trump Opens Remarks: ‘America Is Back’
President Donald Trump opened his first congressional address since reassuming the White House by declaring that “America is back.”
Trump noted that six weeks ago, at his inauguration inside the Capitol, he proclaimed the dawn of America’s golden age.
“I return to this chamber tonight to report that America’s momentum is back, our spirit is back, our pride is back, our confidence is back, and the American Dream is surging bigger and better than ever before,” he said.
Supreme Court Justices Attend Joint Session
WASHINGTON—Four Supreme Court justices—Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh—entered the House chamber before Trump’s speech.
Justice Clarence Thomas, who appeared not to be in attendance, told law school students in 2012 that he didn’t attend State of the Union addresses because they had become so partisan.
By Sam Dorman
Trump Arrives to Give Speech
WASHINGTON—Trump arrived inside the House chamber to deliver his speech. He was met with cheers and greeted by Republicans in the aisles as he made his way to the podium. Trump is accompanied by congressional GOP leadership, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.).
Trump shook the hands of Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts.
Trump’s speech is not a State of the Union address but it is essentially the same thing, with the difference being that this is only the first year of the new administration.
First Lady Melania Trump wore a dress hat and arrived to a standing ovation. She was followed by Trump’s Cabinet members. The first lady and other guests will sit in the gallery above the chamber. Members of Congress are allowed to bring at least one guest. The invited guests are often related to political messaging.
Ukraine, Tariffs Top of Mind in Address to Congress
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump will highlight his use of tariffs to bolster investments in U.S. manufacturing and business interests in his speech tonight, according to excerpts released by the White House.
“Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them,” Trump will say. “If they do non-monetary tariffs to keep us out of their market, then we do non-monetary barriers to keep them out of our market. We will take in trillions of dollars and create jobs like we have never seen before.”
His speech is taking place the same day 25 percent tariffs took effect on goods from Canada and Mexico and 20 percent levies on products from China, in addition to tariffs already imposed on the nation.
Additionally, the president plans to discuss ongoing negotiations to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Trump has vowed to bring the fighting to a close, saying the approximately $175 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars that has been appropriated for the Eastern European country is too high compared to the amount of funding sent by other nations in the region.
“I am also working tirelessly to end the savage conflict in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians and Russians have been needlessly killed or wounded in this horrific and brutal conflict, with no end in sight,” the excerpts read. “Meanwhile, Europe has sadly spent more money buying Russian oil and gas than they have spent on defending Ukraine—by far!”
Trump is pushing for a mineral deal with Ukraine to help recoup money sent to bolster Ukrainian defense efforts.
Securing rare earth minerals from foreign and domestic sources is a priority for the president.
“Later this week, I will also take historic action to dramatically expand production of critical minerals and rare earths here in [the] USA,” Trump will say.
Democrat Sen. Schatz Hopeful Despite GOP Trifecta
Ahead of the president’s speech, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said he remains optimistic about the strength of the progressive movement despite Republicans’ control of Congress and the White House.
“These people depend on despondency. They want us to feel like we’re cooked,” Schatz told viewers at a progressive “prebuttal” to Trump’s speech hosted by MoveOn.
“What we have to do is look them in the eye and say, ‘We know that there are way more of us than there are of you, and we know that the only reason you’re doing all these executive orders is you couldn’t enact any of this even in a Republican Congress, because it’s that unpopular.’”
Schatz went on to stress that he was not saying things were going well but that the progressive movement “is growing and we’re going to be successful, absolutely.”
Trump Arrives at US Capitol
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Capitol Hill after a brief ride from the White House.
Trump is scheduled to speak before a joint session of Congress tonight at 9:10 p.m. ET. The focus of the president’s speech will be “Renewal of the American Dream,” according to the White House.
Trump is set to speak about his accomplishments since taking office on Jan. 20.
“I return to this chamber tonight to report that America’s momentum is back,” an excerpt of the speech reads. “Our spirit is back. Our PRIDE is back. Our CONFIDENCE is back. And the American Dream is surging—bigger and better than ever before.”
By Emel Akan
VA Secretary Is Designated Survivor
WASHINGTON—Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins is the designated survivor during the president’s speech before a joint session of Congress.
The designated survivor would take over the presidency in the event the Capitol is attacked, and there are no survivors in the list of presidential succession.
A designated survivor has never become president, but it has made for great television, including the show “Designated Survivor,” which aired on ABC and Netflix, and starred Kiefer Sutherland.
Arizona Sheriff Wants to Hear Trump’s Border Plan
WASHINGTON—Ross Teeple, sheriff of Arizona’s Pinal County, says he’s pleased with Trump’s efforts so far, and he’s hoping the president will speak about the border tonight.
“Working with Homeland Security has been great since he took office already, and just [wondering] where we’re going for the next 180 days,” Teeple said.
He said his county has plenty of beds available to house illegal immigrants and he’s looking to increase his staff.
“With Black Lives Matter, everything else that happened, our recruiting efforts have had to triple just to keep up with our retirements,” he said.
By Nathan Worcester and Stacy Robinson
