Chidi Samuel with agency report || President Donald Trump Wednesday moved to reset his Presidency in his first State of the Union as he promised a “renewal of the American spirit”, in his first speech to Congress.
President Trump said a “new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp”, opening a “new chapter of American greatness”.
His primetime address aimed to boost his low approval ratings after a bumpy start to his presidency.
In Tuesday night’s speech, Mr. Trump said of recent alleged hate crimes, “we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its very ugly forms”.
He also touted his decisions to withdraw the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and order work to start on a wall along the US-Mexico border.
He added that “real and positive immigration reform” was possible through improving jobs, security, and respect for the law.
“By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone,” he told lawmakers.
Mr Trump also railed against the “radical Islamic terrorism” of the so-called Islamic State.
The president drew some of the loudest applause when he pledged to “extinguish this vile enemy from our planet”.
But the most thunderous ovation of the night came when he paid tribute to the widow of Navy Seal Ryan Owens, who died in a US raid on a suspected al-Qaeda base in Yemen, days into Mr. Trump’s presidency.
“Ryan’s legacy is etched into eternity,” the president told Carryn Owens, who sobbed and raised her eyes to heaven.
Mr. Trump’s remarks were also cheered when he urged Congress to “act decisively” to repeal and replace Obamacare.
It remains to be seen if the President’s even toned speech will help refocus his administration and shore up his approval rating which about 44 percent presently.