Trump spoke of “a new surge of optimism” and “national pride” with his election, a contrast to his gloomy “American carnage” inauguration day speech. “I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart,” said Trump.
He did not mention the hundreds of thousands of people who have protested around the world since he took office, including the Women’s March and rallies against his executive order travel ban.
Trump said “the time for trivial fights is behind us”, despite his own trivial fights about inauguration crowd size, Saturday Night Live skits and media coverage since his inauguration.
He called on Congress to support a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which was lukewarmly received by both sides of the aisle.
He also called on Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, although he did not specify how it should be replaced (although he offered five “guidelines” to follow).
Trump announced a new office in the Department of Homeland Security called VOICE (Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement), for the victims of crimes committed by immigrants. It’s unknown if that will cover all immigrants or undocumented immigrants. “We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests,” said Trump.
Unsurprisingly, Trump staff saw the speech as a hit.
In the Democrats official response, former Kentucky governor Steve Beshear (seemingly chosen for being a conservative white Southern Democrat who would appeal to Trump voters) spoke about how dangerous repealing the Affordable Care Act would be, since the only alternatives offered by Republicans so far would result in millions losing coverage. “This isn’t a game. This is life or death for people,” he said.
Democrat women donned white to protest Donald Trump’s treatment of women and to honor women’s rights and the Suffragettes.