The State of Our Union

Summary of President Trump’s State of the Union Address

President Donald Trump gave his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 3rd. The night before the final impeachment vote in the United States Senate, the President laid out his successes over the past three-years of his term and his future plans for the final year of his term. President Trump made his case for reelection in front of the entire legislative body (almost). There were a few Democrats that decided against attending i.e. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The one thing that was clear, President Trump delivered a message that indicated the state of our union is strong.

The President started the night with cheers from the Republicans in the room. When President Trump got to the podium, it seemed as though he could not bear to even look at Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi when handing her a copy of the State of the Union speech. It looked as if the President snubbed a handshake from the Speaker.

President Trump stated the night speaking on the state of America. He spoke of how America is strong on both the economic and defense fronts. The President spoke about how under his administration America is no longer apologizing to the world, but standing up to it. The President spoke of how America is no longer downsizing like under the previous administration. He ending his opening statement by asserting that America will no longer go back to how it was in past administrations.

President Trump spoke highly of the economic state that America is in. The successes of cutting regulations, and cutting taxes were touched upon. President Trump spoke about how his policies are pro-worker. The historically low unemployment rate was touted by President Trump as he pointed out the fact that the unemployment rate is at a 50-year low, and under his administration the African-American, Mexican-American, and Asian-American unemployment rates are at the lowest point in history. The average unemployment rate under this administration is the lowest in history as well. President Trump went on to list all notable groups that have record low unemployment rates. President Trump talked about the number of people who are no longer on food stamps and welfare. He spoke of the rise of the average American’s income, along with the rise of the stock market, benefiting 401k’s and saving plans. President Trump spoke about the investment pouring into communities that have been left behind by past administrations. The factory boom that America is having was touched upon, with President Trump calling it a blue-collar boom.

President Trump spoke of criminal justice and the reforms that he pushed through in 2019. The Second Chance Act was the first criminal justice reform act in decades. The Second Chance Act will help reintegrate those that have been incarcerated back into society and the workforce. The reform act had bipartisan support and it will be a staple of President Trump’s reelection campaign.

President Trump spoke about his international economic policies. This includes both his Mexico United State and Canada Agreement and Phase One of the China trade deal. President Trump spoke about how his tariffs on China worked. It forced China to come to the table, and the United States and China have a better relationship because of it. President Trump spoke about his policies in Central and South America. He spoke out harshly against Venezuela and even had the opposition leader of Venezuela, Juan Guaido, at the State of the Union. President Trump cemented his attacks on Venezuela, and the Democrat party, when he called out socialism.

President Trump then touted his defense achievements. The President spoke about the record increase of funding for the military. The creation of the Space Force was spoken about as a major defense achievement of the Trump administration. The President talked about his peace through strength response to international conflicts. The fact the you can pull troops out of certain countries and respond to conflicts with strength as necessary. He spoke of his victories over ISIS and the elimination of two top level terrorists. President Trump then turned his attention to a military family who he helped surprise by bringing their soldier back home to reunite them

President Trump made sure to add his America First slogan to his State of the Union speech.

When speaking on education, President Trump touched on school choice. This is the idea that parents can send their children to any public, charter, or private school. The family can then receive an opportunity scholarship voucher to go to the school of the child’s choice. President Trump even gave out an opportunity scholarship to a student in attendance. President Trump called on Congress to pass the Opportunity Scholarship Act. The Be Best initiative of Melania Trump was also talked about. This initiative focuses on well-being for youth, and advocating against cyber bullying, and drug use.

President Trump touched upon healthcare. His goals of protecting Social Security and Medicare and providing price transparency in healthcare were talked about. President Trump then attacked the Democrats and their universal healthcare plan. President Trump spoke about how this plan would provide free healthcare to illegal immigrates and raid Social Security and Medicare. On more of his healthcare successes and plans, he spoke of drug innovation and the fall of drug pricing and his goal to lower prices further.

President Trump spoke of his pro-life policies. He was the first president last month to speak at the March for Life. He is arguably the most pro-life president in history. With this in mind, President Trump spoke about his goal of banning late-term abortions. He called on Congress to finally pass legislation that will do so.

Finally, President Trump spoke about the staple of his plans since the beginning which is border control. He spoke of the need to finish the wall. The fact that since construction of the wall started that border crossing have been down was echoed by the President.

Overall, it was a well delivered speech. Obviously, Nancy Pelosi did not think so as she ripped up her copy of the State of the Union on national television after it was over. She said after, “it was the courteous thing to do considering the alternatives.”

I believe President Trump during his address gave a strong argument for reelection. I believe on the other hand, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi showed why democrats do not deserve to be voted into office. In a moment where she could have been the bigger person, Speaker Pelosi decided to pull a childish stunt. I believe that it will not do her or the Democrats any favors. President Trump just needs to treat everyday like he did last night, and he will be well on his way to reelection.