President Trump delivers his third State of the Union
address to a joint session of Congress, praising the economic success of his
administration, highlighting efforts to reform the criminal justice system,
secure the nation's borders, improve Americans' health care and fight radical
Islamic terrorism.
GALLUP POLL SHOWS TRUMP, GOP APPROVAL HIT RECORD HIGHS AMID IMPEACHMENT
President Trump went on the offensive against socialism
and left-wing policies during a defiant third State of the Union address to Congress Tuesday
night -- drawing groans from Democrats in attendance and prompting a
furious House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to rip up her copy of Trump's
speech as soon as it concluded in a remarkable scene.
Asked about the moment by Fox News afterward, Pelosi said
she had destroyed the speech “because it was the courteous thing to do
considering the alternatives.” She also said she was "trying to find one
page with truth on it" but "couldn't."
The White House responded almost immediately by
referencing several of the guests of honor whom Trump had
introduced during the State of the Union address.
"Speaker Pelosi just ripped up: One of our last
surviving Tuskegee Airmen. The survival of a child born at 21 weeks. The
mourning families of Rocky Jones and Kayla Mueller. A service member's reunion with his family," the White House said in
a tweet. "That's her legacy."
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., told Fox News that Trump's
speech was "rough" in parts. Responding to Pelosi ripping up the
speech, he added, "None of that’s good."
And, speaking to Fox News' "Hannity," Sen. Ted
Cruz, R-Texas, called Pelosi's actions "disgraceful" and
"disgusting," saying they made him "angry."
Some commentators accused Pelosi of hypocrisy,
noting that back in 2009, she had called on a Republican congressman to
apologize or face formal censure for shouting during President Obama's State of the Union
address, "You lie!"
In an apparent attempt at reconciliation, Pelosi tweeted
late Tuesday that Democrats "will never stop extending the hand
of friendship to get the job done #ForThePeople." Pelosi also
released a statement saying Trump did not issue a positive message on health
care, and calling his speech a "manifesto of mistruths."
The flareup was a harsh reminder of the partisan discord
pervading the halls of Congress, even as Trump in his speech all but
ignored the historic impeachment drama that flanked this year's
address -- a fight virtually certain to end with Trump's overwhelming
acquittal on Wednesday. Trump opted in his remarks to publicly challenge
Democrats on policy grounds while touting what he called
the "blue-collar boom" in the country.
The tensions over impeachment appeared to surface early
on, however, as Pelosi refused to introduce Trump by saying it was her
"distinct honor" and "high privilege" to do so, as is
tradition. Instead, she simply introduced him as the President of the United
States.
Then, Trump seemingly snubbed a handshake offer from
Pelosi, while Republican lawmakers chanted, "Four more
years!" But, the president did not shake Vice President Mike Pence's
hand, either, and it appeared he may simply not have noticed Pelosi
reaching out her hand.
The night was full of other dramatic, made-for-TV
moments: Trump introduced a warfighter back from his fourth Afghanistan deployment to his
shocked wife (which was not included in prepared remarks of the speech
delivered in advance to reporters); awarded radio host Rush Limbaugh the
Presidential Medal of Freedom on the spot; issued an academic scholarship to a
needy family; and introduced a surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen.
And he began to shape what could be part of his
re-election campaign message.
WATCH: STUNNING REUNION OF MILITARY FAMILY AT STATE OF THE UNION
"As we work to improve Americans' health care, there
are those who want to take away your health care, take away your doctor, and
abolish private insurance entirely," Trump said. "One hundred
thirty-two lawmakers in this room have endorsed legislation to impose a
socialist takeover of our healthcare system, wiping out the private health
insurance plans of 180 million Americans. To those watching at home tonight, I
want you to know: We will never let socialism destroy American health
care."
He added: "Over 130 legislators in this chamber have
endorsed legislation that would bankrupt our Nation by providing free taxpayer-funded healthcare to millions of illegal aliens,
forcing taxpayers to subsidize free care for anyone in the world who unlawfully
crosses our borders. These proposals would raid the Medicare benefits our
seniors depend on, while acting as a powerful lure for illegal
immigration."
Pelosi appeared to mouth "not true" as
Trump said Democrats would pay illegal immigrants' health care -- although
virtually all Democratic presidential contenders indicated they would support such a measure during a
recent debate.
"This is what is happening in California and other
States -- their systems are totally out of control, costing taxpayers vast
and unaffordable amounts of money," Trump continued. "If forcing
American taxpayers to provide unlimited free healthcare to illegal aliens
sounds fair to you, then stand with the radical left. But if you believe
that we should defend American patients and American seniors, then stand with
me and pass legislation to prohibit free Government healthcare for illegal
aliens!"
The address comes one day before the Senate is slated to
deliver its verdict in the impeachment trial that has divided the nation. Trump
is widely expected to win acquittal. But he did not mention those proceedings
directly in his speech.
Drawing some audible murmurs of disapproval from
Democrats in the chamber, Trump repeatedly took aim at the Obama
administration's economic and foreign policies.
"Socialism destroys nations. But
always remember, freedom unifies the soul."
— President Trump
"If we had not reversed the failed economic policies
of the previous administration, the world would not now be witness to
America's great economic success," Trump said. "Under the last
administration, more than 10 million people were added to the food stamp rolls.
Under my administration, 7 million Americans have come off of food
stamps, and 10 million people have been lifted off of welfare."
As he did during the 2019 State of the Union, Trump again directly
condemned socialism -- and introduced a high-profile guest from embattled
Venezuela.
"Joining us in the gallery is the true and
legitimate President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó," Trump
said. "Mr. President, please take this message back to your
homeland. All Americans are united with the Venezuelan people in their
righteous struggle for freedom! Socialism destroys nations. But always
remember, freedom unifies the soul."
Drawing more audible complaints from Democrats, Trump
further hammered "sanctuary city" policies that shield illegal
immigrants from federal immigration authorities.
"Tragically, there are many cities in America where
radical politicians have chosen to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegal
aliens," Trump said.
"In Sanctuary Cities, local officials
order police to release dangerous criminal aliens to prey upon the public,
instead of handing them over to ICE to be safely removed. Just 29 days
ago, a criminal alien freed by the Sanctuary City of New York was charged with
the brutal rape and murder of a 92-year-old woman. The killer had been
previously arrested for assault, but under New York's sanctuary policies, he
was set free. If the city had honored ICE's detainer request, his
victim would be alive today. The State of California passed an outrageous
law declaring their whole State to be a sanctuary for criminal illegal
immigrants -- with catastrophic results."
Trump praised Immigration and Customs Enforcement
(ICE), saying the agency "has arrested over 5,000 wicked human
traffickers -- and I have signed 9 pieces of legislation to stamp out the
menace of human trafficking, domestically and around the globe."
'Blue-collar boom'
"The state of our union is stronger than ever
before," Trump declared early on to applause, as most Democrats --
including those who have recently sought to have the president removed from office
-- remained seated, stone-faced and apparently dejected.
"Since my election, the net worth of the bottom half
of wage-earners has increased by 47 percent -- 3 times faster than the increase
for the top 1 percent," Trump said. "After decades of flat and
falling incomes, wages are rising fast -- and, wonderfully, they are
rising fastest for low-income workers, who have seen a 16 percent
pay-increase since my election. This is a blue-collar boom."
As he often does during his campaign rallies, the president
went line-by-line through unemployment statistics, drawing some applause from
even Democrats in the chamber.
"The unemployment rates for African-Americans,
Hispanic-Americans, and Asian-Americans have reached the lowest levels in
history," Trump said. African-American youth unemployment has
reached an all-time low. African-American poverty has declined to the
lowest rate ever recorded. The unemployment rate for women reached the
lowest level in almost 70 years -- and last year, women filled 72 percent of
all new jobs added.
"The veterans' unemployment rate dropped to a record
low," he continued. "The unemployment rate for disabled Americans has
reached an all-time low. Workers without a high school
diploma have achieved the lowest unemployment rate recorded in United States
history. A record number of young Americans are now employed."
The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA),
Trump said, would only accelerate job growth.
"One of the single biggest promises I made to the
American people was to replace the disastrous NAFTA trade deal," Trump
said. "In fact, unfair trade is perhaps the single biggest reason
that I decided to run for President. Following NAFTA's adoption, our
Nation lost one in four manufacturing jobs.
Many politicians came
and went, pledging to change or replace NAFTA -- only to do absolutely
nothing. But unlike so many who came before me, I keep my
promises. Six days ago, I replaced NAFTA and signed the brand new United
States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law."
The USMCA, Trump maintained, "will create nearly
100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs, and massively boost exports for our
farmers, ranchers, and factory workers. It will also bring trade with
Mexico and Canada to a much higher degree, but also to a much greater level of
fairness and reciprocity. This is the first major trade deal in many
years to earn the strong backing of America's labor unions."
Honored guests -- and a shocking reunion
Limbaugh, who announced on Monday he is battling advanced
lung cancer, unexpectedly received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the
address, courtesy of First Lady Melania Trump.
"Thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to
our country," Trump said as Limbaugh rose. "Rush, in recognition
of all that you have done for our Nation, the millions of people a day that you
speak to and inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for
charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our
country's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I will now
ask the First Lady of the United States to please stand and present you with
the honor."
Separately, after touting his criminal-justice reform
bill, Trump pushed Congress to build what he called an "an inclusive
society" by "making sure that every young American gets a great
education and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream." He turned
his attention to one student in the chamber.
"To rescue these students, 18 States have created
school choice in the form of Opportunity Scholarships," Trump
said. "The programs are so popular, that tens of thousands of
students remain on waiting lists. One of those students is Janiyah Davis,
a fourth grader from Philadelphia. Janiyah's mom Stephanie is a single
parent. She would do anything to give her daughter a better future.
But last year, that future was put further out of reach when
Pennsylvania's Governor vetoed legislation to expand school choice for 50,000
children.
"Janiyah and Stephanie are in the gallery this
evening," Trump said. "But there is more to their story.
Janiyah, I am pleased to inform you that your long wait is over. I can
proudly announce tonight that an Opportunity Scholarship has become available,
it is going to you, and you will soon be heading to the school of your
choice! Now, I call on the Congress to give 1 million American
children the same opportunity Janiyah has just received. Pass the
Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act -- because no parent should
be forced to send their child to a failing government school."
"Opportunity Zones are helping Americans like Army
Veteran Tony Rankins from Cincinnati, Ohio," Trump additionally remarked,
bringing Sen. Krysten Sinema, D-Ariz., to her feet. Sinema, who notably did not
wear white as some of her colleagues did as a show of feminine
solidarity, was one of a handful of Democrats to stand and applaud during
Trump's remarks at various points.
Later, Trump honored Charles McGee, one of the last
surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the African-American pilots who
fought in World War II.
"Charles McGee was born in Cleveland, Ohio, one
century ago," Trump said.
"Charles is one of the last surviving
Tuskegee Airmen -- the first black fighter pilots -- and he also happens to be
Iain's great-grandfather. After more than 130 combat missions in World
War II, he came back to a country still struggling for Civil Rights and
went on to serve America in Korea and Vietnam. On December 7th, Charles
celebrated his 100th birthday. A few weeks ago, I signed a bill promoting
Charles McGee to Brigadier General. And earlier today, I pinned the stars
on his shoulders in the Oval Office. General McGee: Our Nation
salutes you."
The president also honored Kelli and Gage Hake, who lost
their father, Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Hake, to a roadside bomb reportedly
funded by Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian general slain in a U.S. drone strike
earlier this year. Soleimani had recently organized a proxy militia's assault
on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
In perhaps the night's most unexpected moment -- which
was not included in the prepared remarks provided in advance to reporters
-- the president introduced a soldier who had just gotten back from his fourth
deployment to Afghanistan.
“War places a heavy burden on our nation’s extraordinary
military families, especially spouses like Amy Williams from Fort Bragg, N.C.
and her two children, six-year-old Eliana and three-year-old Rowan,” Trump
said.
“Amy works full time and volunteers countless hours
helping other military families," the president continued. "For the
past seven months, she has done it all while her husband Sgt. 1st Class
Townsend Williams is in Afghanistan on his fourth deployment to the Middle
East. Amy’s kids haven’t seen their father’s face in many months. Amy, your
family’s sacrifice makes it possible for all of our families to live in safety
and peace, and we want to thank you.
“Amy, there is one more thing,” Trump went on, as the
chamber erupted. “Tonight we have a very special surprise. I am thrilled to
inform you that your husband is back from deployment. He is here with us
tonight and we couldn’t keep him waiting any longer.”
Sgt. Williams, a U.S. Army paratrooper with the 82nd
Airborne Division, entered the gallery to resounding cheers from both sides of
the aisle.
Some prominent Democrats, including Reps. Maxine Waters
and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, were not in attendance for the speech or the
drama that unfolded, saying they were doing so out of protest.
Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution dictates that
the president “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information on the
State of the Union.” George Washington delivered the first such speech to
Congress.
But Thomas Jefferson halted the practice, instead
submitting a missive to Congress. It would be more than a century until
President Woodrow Wilson rekindled the process of giving a speech to Congress.
The designated survivor not in attendance at the
Capitol was Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, Fox News has learned.
Fox News' Chad Pergram, Jason Donner, Marisa
Schultz, and Matt Leach contributed to this report.
Gregg
Re is a lawyer and editor based in Los Angeles. Follow him on Twitter @gregg_re or email
him at gregory.re@foxnews.com.
