President Donald J. Trump declared Tuesday in an address to Congress that a “new chapter of American greatness is now beginning.”
For the most part, he traded his usual contentious and aggressive tones for loftier – some might even say more presidential – rhetoric.
Making economic revival the centerpiece of his first address to Congress, Trump also delved into something he rarely does – specifics.
He issued a call to “restart the engine" of the economy through tax cuts, trade deals, immigration enforcement and $ 1 trillion in infrastructure.
Trump also called on Congress to replace the “imploding ObamaCare disaster” with legislation that lowers costs and expands access.
The 45th president focused largely on priorities at home, more than abroad, over his hour-long, decidedly upbeat and optimistic speech.
Those who witnessed Trump"s foreboding inauguration address likely were hoping for something more like this. Better late than never?
“Everything that is broken in our country can be fixed. Every problem can be solved. And every hurting family can find healing, and hope,” Trump said.
Urging lawmakers to "join forces" to deliver, he declared “the time for small thinking is over,” and said to “believe, once more, in America.”
“A new chapter of American greatness is now beginning. A new national pride is sweeping across our nation,” Trump told legislators.
“And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp," he said during his “message of unity and strength.”
The generally well-received speech could mark an opportunity for Trump to reset his young presidency after a rocky start since January 20.
Clashes with the media and staffing controversies at times overshadowed action on the jobs front … and pretty much every other front.
In perhaps the most memorable moment, the audience broke out into extended applause as Trump acted like a true Commander in Chief.
Introducing the widow of William "Ryan" Owens, the Navy SEAL killed in a raid in Yemen last month, he paid tribute to the fallen service member.
Carryn Owens sobbed as lawmakers gave her a standing ovation as Donald Trump said the raid he participated in yielded vital intelligence.
His “legacy is etched into eternity,” Trump said.
Watch his full speech below.
