"A new national pride is sweeping across our nation. And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp. What we are witnessing today is the renewal of the American spirit," Trump told lawmakers.
After a turbulent start to his presidency, Trump went before Congress to give a speech that was closely watched for details of his plans for the economy and whether he can strike a more conciliatory tone.
The most important word Trump didn’t say in his speech
Trump uttered some 5,000 words and spoke for 60 minutes, but not one of those words was “Russia,” and not one of those minutes was devoted to the so-far successful effort by our geopolitical adversary to undermine American democracy, according to the Washington Post’s opinion view.
Trump on defense spending and NATO
President Donald Trump promised to send to Congress a budget to rebuild the nation’s military, billing it as one of the largest-ever increases in defense spending.
"I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history. My budget will also increase funding for our veterans. Our veterans have delivered for this nation -- and now we must deliver for them." Trump said.
Trump focused part of the speech on foreign policy, stressing his support for NATO but insisting allies pay more for their defense.
"We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism. But our partners must meet their financial obligations. And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that," Trump said.
Trump gets big Republican cheers for the repeal and replace of Obamacare
President Donald Trump called on Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare in a speech to Congress- earning the biggest applause of the evening.
He said reforms should lower the cost of healthcare and ensure people with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage.
He proposed tax credits and expanded health savings accounts for people to purchase health insurance.
US cannot be allowed to become a sanctuary for extremists
Trump said the United States cannot be allowed to become a sanctuary for extremists.
"It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur," Trump said to resounding applause.
After an initial month in office in which he frequently struggled to control the narrative, Trump looked for a reset to move past a chaotic period that dominated the headlines, including a temporary travel ban he signed for people from seven Muslim-majority nations that aroused protests and airport disruptions. The ban was blocked by the federal courts.
Trump said his administration was working on new vetting procedures to keep the United States safe.
"Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values. We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America -- we cannot allow our Nation to become a sanctuary for extremists," Trump said.
Trump also vowed to demolish ISIS which he called "vile enemy of the planet."
It is worthy to remind that Trump, whose inauguration speech on Jan. 20 painted a dark picture of the United States and referred to "American carnage," told Reuters last week that his address would be a speech of optimism.
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