STATE OF THE UNION: Trump Brings Reality Show Touches To Speech

During the 78-minute speech, Trump accepted credit for what he said was a “Great American Comeback” while taking shots at Democrats and what he called the rise of socialism in the U.S.

Trump said, “In just three short years, we have shattered the mentality of American decline and we have rejected the downsizing of America’s destiny. We have totally rejected the downsizing. We are moving forward at a pace that was unimaginable just a short time ago and we are never going back.”

Trump cited tax cuts, deregulation, the remaking of NAFTA and a new trade deal with China.

He also argued against the Democrats’ plan for health care, while touting his own efforts to lower prescription drugs. At one point, Democrats stood up, held up three fingers and yelled, “H.R.3!,” which referred to a bill to lower drug costs that passed in the House, but died in the Senate.

Trump also attacked sanctuary cities and immigrants, and once again portrayed immigrants as dangerous criminals who at the very least illegally sponge off hardworking citizens, and at worst, kill innocent Americans.

Along with Limbaugh, Trump had a number of special guests in the crowd who he spotlighted during the speech, including 100-year-old Charles McGee, one of the last surviving Tuskegee airmen. McGee was accompanied by his great grandson, whose dream is to join the Space Force, the new military branch recently created by Trump. (The New York Times)

Hot Takes:

• Like him or not, there’s no denying that Trump is a master showman.
• Nancy Pelosi also brought some drama, tearing up her copy of Trump’s speech after Trump finished.
• That was a campaign speech as much as it was the State of the Union.