Though subsequently seen as one of the key speeches that rallied opinion behind opposition to Soviet expansion, it was delivered at a time when there was considerable approval for a return to peace and gratitude for the sacrifices of the USSR. This was to change, but at the time there was criticism of the speech as being irresponsible. The Chicago Sun newspaper called it 'poisonous' and there were some protesters outside Churchill's hotel in New York on his way back home. Truman did not immediately state his agreement.