The moment has finally arrived. The President and a divided congress – face to face for the first time. After being delayed by the longest government shutdown in United States history, President Donald Trump spoke to members of Congress, politicians, and many others from across the country in the State Capitol Building, located in Washington DC. The State of the Union Address started promptly at 9pm EST last night, broadcasted on almost every news channel currently in existence. During this address, President Donald Trump discussed his desire for the wall to be constructed at the Mexico border, as well as a wide range of foreign and domestic policy issues. Here is what happened on the night of February 5th, 2019.

President Trump entered the doors to the Capitol building, greeted by rounds of applause from those associated with blue and red,  although the Republicans were much more energetic during his arrival. It was easily detectable that the women in white – Democratic women who wore white for solidarity purposes – were not as delighted to see the president. After the applause concluded, Trump opened with these lines:

“We meet tonight at a moment of unlimited potential. As we begin a new congress, I stand here ready to work with you to achieve historic breakthroughs for all Americans,” he exclaimed. This line enforced his true commitment to do what is best for the American people. Donald Trump made it clear throughout his entire address that he wants to unite as one nation to discuss and conquer the issues within our country, stating, “millions of Americans are watching us now gathered in this great chamber, hoping that we will govern not as two parties, but as one nation.”

Before addressing the main issue of the night, the wall, President Donald Trump recognized three heros who served the United States during the D-Day invasion, which occurred 75 years ago this June. Private First Class Joseph Riley, Staff Sergeant Irving Locker, and Sergeant Herman Zychek were saluted by those within the physical building and by those watching live. Donald Trump also recognized a member of the Apollo 11 mission, Buzz Aldrin, as it has been half a century since this trip to the moon took place.  

WIth 2.4 million more jobs since the election, the economy during the Trump Era has hit a boom cycle.. According to President Trump, we are considered “the hottest economy by far.” Those within the minority groups are experiencing the lowest levels of unemployment in decades. Also, the unemployment rate for those with disabilities has reached an all-time low. A massive tax-cut has been passed for working families, along with the doubling of the child tax credit. The president also shared, “the United States is now the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere in the world,” which received a positive reaction from the audience. Overall, Trump had nothing but good things to say regarding our economic state.

The conclusion about economic talk followed the biggest topic of the night.

“Congress has ten days left to pass a bill that will fund our government, protect our homeland, and secure our very dangerous southern border,” opened Trump.

It is now time for congress to end illegal immigration once for all. Trump has made it clear multiple times that the issues of illegal immigration, especially at the southern border, will not be taken lightly. At the time of the address, groups of Mexicans began their march to enter the United States at the points of a weaker border. Trump is all for legal immigration, as it “strengthens our society in numerous ways.”

“I want people to come into our country in the largest numbers ever, but they have to come in legally,” exclaimed Trump. He is upset that the working middle class of America is paying the price for those who illegally enter and take advantage of the opportunities we offer as a country, along with the people who have earned their right to live here. To support his case for the wall, he introduced numerous stories that emphasize the need for inforced protection for the American people.

To end the crisis on the southern border, the Trump Administration sent a plan to congress, that includes the building of a physical border, humanitarian assistance, more law enforcement, drug detection at our ports, and the closing of loopholes that allow child smuggling. He concludes the topic of the wall by simply stating, “the wall will be built.”

After the discussion regarding the wall concluded, President Trump brought up numerous proposals and ideas to improve the quality of life for US citizens, including the following.

The Trump Administration was pleased to announce their success regarding opportunities for women. 58% of the newly created jobs are filled by women. On top of that, Congress positions are held by more women than ever before.

Another topic mentioned that is a major issue in the eyes of the president was the everlasting struggle relating to cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, as well as the protection of patients with pre-existing conditions. In 2018, the prices of drugs experienced their single largest decline in 46 years, due to the efforts of the Trump Administration.

On the night of the address, the fight against childhood cancer was recognized as a major issue. Grace Eline, a young child female cancer patient, was applauded for her bravery and courage regarding her battle with cancer. Grace has spent most of her years raising money and awareness for childhood cancer. Just recently has she completed treatment for brain cancer. “You are a great inspiration to everyone in this room,” announced Trump.

Abortion has been a controversial topic within the United States, with some for and against it. Ever since Trump began campaigning for office, it has been made clear that he is against the act of abortion. His administration is proposing a law that forbids late term abortion all across the United States. “All children, born and unborn, are made in the holy image of God,” he concluded.

The final part of his agenda was the protection of American security. Over the past few years, the Trump Administration has begun to rebuild the United States military, with the implementation of $700 billion last year and $716 billion this year. He is also asking other nations to do their part and pay their share fare. The United States has now secured more than a $100 billion increase in defense spending from members of NATO, something that was said to be impossible. INF, the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty has been announced to be no more. The United States has officially withdrawn from the treaty, in hopes of either redefining the terms of the treaty or remaining disconnected from it. Not only does he wish to strengthen our security, but those of other countries, including the recent crisis in Venezuela. ISIS is also a major concern, or it was at least, as most of the square mileage under ISIS control has been liberated. Negotiations have also been planned in Afghanistan, with groups such as the Taliban, in hopes to achieve an agreement for peace. It takes power and will to protect our people, and President Donald Trump showed these two traits very well during his address.

“What will we do with this moment?”

Donald Trump ends his address expressing his faith in the American people. There is so much to be accomplished. He is ready to reignite the American imagination. He is ready to make things happen, not for himself, but for the United States.

Trump finishes with a speech about the American dream, that strongly summarizes his view of the United States. Overall, his intentions are there, they just can’t be understood by everyone.