TRUMP: State of the Union Address

 

Written By: Devin Burrow, politics and culture editor

Washington, D.C.– President Donald J. Trump spoke to Congress and the rest of America on Tuesday evening by delivering the State of the Union address on Capitol Hill.

President Trump delivers his State of the Union; Also pictured is Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

“MADAM SPEAKER! THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!” This phrase boomed throughout the meeting hall as Vice President Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and the rest of congress  patiently waited for Trump’s entrance.

The President began his speech by stating that he is eager to work with both parties to get work done for the U.S. He followed this by stating that he is hoping to work not as two parties, but as one nation.

He listed milestones of his administration including, reduced healthcare price and the creation of a “safe, lawful, modern and secure border.” He also stated that “we must have courage to seize it. Victory isn’t winning for the party, its winning for the country.”

After his call to action, Trump mentioned two anniversaries taking place this year. The first being the 75 year anniversary of the allied liberation of Europe. Three veterans who were present on D-Day June 6, 1944 were introduced and received a standing ovation. The second anniversary marks the 50th year since the monumental landing on the moon by the Apollo 11 space team. Congress recognized Buzz Aldrin for his work on the mission.

“Nowhere in the world can compete with America,” the President said. . He then stated that his goals for next year are to “Make communities safer, families stronger, faith deeper and the working middle class stronger than ever.”

Speaking on the economic status of America, the President declared 5.3 million jobs were created, with 600,000 of those being manufacturing jobs. Trump also said that wages are rising faster than ever and that 5 million people were “lifted” off of food stamps. “157 million people are at work with unemployment being at its lowest in half a century and disabled employment being at its lowest as well.”

Trump also reported that America is the number 1 producer of oil, coal and natural gas in the world. “We are also the net exporter of energy, and we have the most powerful military in the world.”

After several crowd led chants of, “U.S.A!” had cleared, the President declared with a loud voice, “ THE STATE OF OUR UNION IS STRONG!” This was followed by the longest applause of the entire evening.

The President also presented on the First Step Act, which allows rehabilitated inmates who were incarcerated to safely and easily transition into normal lives in the U.S. This is one of many criminal reform actions that took place over the last year. Trump introduced Matthew Charles from Nashville, TN as a representative of the First Step Act.

Trump emphasized border security as he reported to congress that they have 10 days to come to agreement on the border wall deal, or there will be another government shutdown. His biggest title he gave his border security initiative is a “smart, see through border.”

Trump then spoke on the foreign relations between America and other countries saying that he is working on compromises between China and Russia to provide a safer America.

Congress listens to the State of the Union Address

Another goal set by the President is to make late term abortions illegal. This seems to be in response to a decision by New York’s Supreme Court and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The President also noted his intent to seek peace in all countries that America is currently at war with. He plans on pulling out most of the American troops that have fought in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. “The unmatched valor of these brave troops has afforded us the opportunity to make moves towards peace negotiations between the U.S. and Afghanistan. The opposing side (Afghanistan) is eager to make amends with the nation.”

After the President’s finishing remarks, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi adjourned the meeting.

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Devin Burrow is the politics and culture editor for the Bryan Triangle. He is a junior communications major with an emphasis in digital media. Devin serves as a resident assistant at Bryan College.