U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a State of the Union address on Tuesday, promising 'change forever,' reports LETA citing AFP.
When Trump arrived at the joint session of both houses of the U.S. Congress, Republicans greeted him with standing applause, while Democrats remained seated in protest. The New York Times previously reported that at least 40 Democrats would not attend this Trump speech.
"My fellow Americans, our country is bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever before," Trump said.
The 79-year-old president hoped to use this speech to convince voters of the achievements of the first year of his second presidential term. Trump's popularity in polls has declined, and Republicans fear losing their slim majority in the House of Representatives, which would threaten to paralyze the remainder of Trump's presidency and potentially lead to a third impeachment.
Nevertheless, Trump took a defiant tone as he delivered his first State of the Union address during his second term.
"Tonight, just one year later, I can respectfully and proudly say that we have achieved transformations like no one has ever seen before, and change forever," Trump stated.
The president capitalized on American enthusiasm over the U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal victory, inviting its players to join him at the Congress session. Trump also announced that he is awarding the highest civilian honor in the U.S. — the Presidential Medal of Freedom — to the team's goalie.
Trump also showcased a tough stance on foreign policy amid the concentration of U.S. naval and air forces around Iran.
"As president, I will seek peace whenever I can, but I will never waver in the face of threats to America when we must act," Trump said.
He also boasted that Venezuela, whose leader Nicolás Maduro was seized by U.S. forces on January 3, is now supplying oil to the United States.
