clashdaily--2020-02-05--Trump’s 2020 State Of The Union Address Celebrates The Return To American Greatness

Trump was also tossing out surprises like Oprah did on her “ Favorite Things ” episode .
During the barn-burner of a speech , President Trump announced that a 9-year old girl would be given a scholarship to attend the school of her choice , Rush Limbaugh was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom , the last living member of the Tuskegee Airmen was awarded his stars to become a Brigadier General , and a family who was separated — because of faithful military service to America — was reunited .
Madam Speaker , Mr. Vice President , Members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , and my fellow citizens : Trending : Just In Time For SOTU : Trump Riding High On Polls , Pelosi & Schiff , Not So Much Three years ago , we launched the great American comeback .
Tonight , I stand before you to share the incredible results .
Jobs are booming , incomes are soaring , poverty is plummeting , crime is falling , confidence is surging , and our country is thriving and highly respected again !
America ’ s enemies are on the run , America ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and America ’ s future is blazing bright .
The years of economic decay are over .
The days of our country being used , taken advantage of , and even scorned by other nations are long behind us .
Gone too are the broken promises , jobless recoveries , tired platitudes , and constant excuses for the depletion of American wealth , power , and prestige .
In just 3 short years , we have shattered the mentality of American decline , and we have rejected the downsizing of America ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pace that was unimaginable just a short time ago , and we are never going back !
I am thrilled to report to you tonight that our economy is the best it has ever been .
Our military is completely rebuilt , with its power being unmatched anywhere in the world — and it is not even close .
Our borders are secure .
Our families are flourishing .
Our values are renewed .
Our pride is restored .
And for all these reasons , I say to the people of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Congress before me : The State of our Union is stronger than ever before !
The vision I will lay out this evening demonstrates how we are building the world ’ s most prosperous and inclusive society — one where every citizen can join in America ’ s unparalleled success , and where every community can take part in America ’ s extraordinary rise .
From the instant I took office , I moved rapidly to revive the United States economy — slashing a record number of job-killing regulations , enacting historic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fair and reciprocal trade agreements .
Our agenda is relentlessly pro-worker , pro-family , pro-growth , and , most of all , pro-American .
We are advancing with unbridled optimism and lifting high our citizens of every race , color , religion , and creed .
Since my election , we have created 7 million new jobs — 5 million more than Government experts projected during the previous administration .
The unemployment rate is the lowest in over half a century .
Incredibly , the average unemployment rate under my Administration is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our country .
If we had not reversed the failed economic policies of the previous administration , the world would not now be witness to America ’ s great economic success .
The unemployment rates for African-Americans , Hispanic-Americans , and Asian-Americans have reached the lowest levels in history .
African-American youth unemployment has reached an all-time low .
African-American poverty has declined to the lowest rate ever recorded .
The unemployment rate for women reached the lowest level in almost 70 years — and last year , women filled 72 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment rate for disabled Americans has reached an all-time low .
Workers without a high school diploma have achieved the lowest unemployment rate recorded in United States history .
A record number of young Americans are now employed .
Under the last administration , more than 10 million people were added to the food stamp rolls .
Under my Administration , 7 million Americans have come off of food stamps , and 10 million people have been lifted off of welfare .
In 8 years under the last administration , over 300,000 working-age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In just 3 years of my Administration , 3.5 million working-age people have joined the workforce .
Since my election , the net worth of the bottom half of wage-earners has increased by 47 percent — 3 times faster than the increase for the top 1 percent .
After decades of flat and falling incomes , wages are rising fast — and , wonderfully , they are rising fastest for low-income workers , who have seen a 16 percent pay-increase since my election .
This is a blue collar boom .
Real median @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level ever recorded !
Since my election , United States stock markets have soared 70 percent , adding more than $ 12 trillion to our Nation ’ s wealth , transcending anything anyone believed was possible — this , as other countries are not doing well .
Consumer confidence has reached amazing new heights .
All of those millions of people with 401 ( k ) s and pensions are doing far better than they have ever done before with increases of 60 , 70 , 80 , 90 , and even 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into 9,000 previously-neglected neighborhoods thanks to Opportunity Zones , a plan spearheaded by Senator Tim Scott as part of our great Republican tax cuts .
In other words , wealthy people and companies are pouring money into poor neighborhoods or areas that have not seen investment in many decades , creating jobs , energy , and excitement .
This is the first time that these deserving communities have seen anything like this .
It is all working !
Opportunity Zones are helping Americans like Army Veteran Tony Rankins from Cincinnati , Ohio .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost his job , his house , and his family — he was homeless .
But then Tony found a construction company that invests in Opportunity Zones .
He is now a top tradesman , drug-free , reunited with his family , and he is here tonight .
Tony : Keep up the great work .
Our roaring economy has , for the first time ever , given many former prisoners the ability to get a great job and a fresh start .
This second chance at life is made possible because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Everybody said that Criminal Justice Reform could not be done , but I got it done , and the people in this room got it done .
Thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign , the United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world , by far .
With the tremendous progress we have made over the past 3 years , America is now energy independent , and energy jobs , like so many elements of our country , are at a record high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one would have thought possible just 3 years ago .
Likewise , we are restoring our Nation ’ s manufacturing might , even though predictions were that this could never be done .
After losing 60,000 factories under the previous two administrations , America has now gained 12,000 new factories under my Administration with thousands upon thousands of plants and factories being planned or built .
We have created over half a million new manufacturing jobs .
Companies are not leaving ; they are coming back .
Everybody wants to be where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of America is , indeed , where the action is .
One of the single biggest promises I made to the American people was to replace the disastrous NAFTA trade deal .
In fact , unfair trade is perhaps the single biggest reason that I decided to run for President .
Following NAFTA ’ s adoption , our Nation lost one in four manufacturing jobs .
Many politicians came and went , pledging to change or replace NAFTA — only to do absolutely nothing .
But unlike so many who came before me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days ago , I replaced NAFTA and signed the brand new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ( USMCA ) into law .
The USMCA will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs , and massively boost exports for our farmers , ranchers , and factory workers .
It will also bring trade with Mexico and Canada to a much higher degree , but also to a much greater level of fairness and reciprocity .
This is the first major trade deal in many years to earn the strong backing of America ’ s labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I would impose tariffs to confront China ’ s massive theft of American jobs .
Our strategy worked .
Days ago , we signed the groundbreaking new agreement with China that will defend our workers , protect our intellectual property , bring billions of dollars into our treasury , and open vast new markets for products made and grown right here in the United States of America .
For decades , China has taken advantage of the United States , now we have changed that but , at the same time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have ever had with China , including with President Xi .
They respect what we have done because , quite frankly , they could never believe what they were able to get away with year after year , decade after decade , without someone in our country stepping up and saying : Enough .
Now , we want to rebuild our country , and that is what we are doing .
As we restore American leadership throughout the world , we are once again standing up for freedom in our hemisphere .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies of the previous administration on Cuba .
We are supporting the hopes of Cubans , Nicaraguans , and Venezuelans to restore democracy .
The United States is leading a 59-nation diplomatic coalition against the socialist dictator of Venezuela , Nicolás Maduro .
Maduro is an illegitimate ruler , a tyrant who brutalizes his people .
But Maduro ’ s grip of tyranny will be smashed and broken .
Here this evening is a man who carries with him the hopes , dreams , and aspirations of all Venezuelans .
Joining us in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President of Venezuela , Juan Guaidó .
Mr. President , please take this message back to your homeland .
All Americans are united with the Venezuelan people in their righteous struggle for freedom !
Socialism destroys nations .
But always remember , freedom unifies the soul .
To safeguard American Liberty , we have invested a record-breaking $ 2.2 trillion in the United States Military .
We have purchased the finest planes , missiles , rockets , ships , and every other form of military equipment — all made in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting our allies to help pay their fair share .
I have raised contributions from the other NATO members by more than $ 400 billion , and the number of allies meeting their minimum obligations has more than doubled .
And just weeks ago , for the first time since President Truman established the Air Force more than 70 years earlier , we created a new branch of the United States Armed Forces , the Space Force .
In the gallery tonight , we have one of the Space Force ’ s youngest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eighth grader from Arizona .
Iain has always dreamed of going to space .
He was first in his class and among the youngest at an aviation academy .
He aspires to go to the Air Force Academy , and then , he has his eye on the Space Force .
As Iain says , “ most people look up at space , I want to look down on the world.
” Sitting beside Iain tonight is his great hero .
Charles McGee was born in Cleveland , Ohio , one century @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last surviving Tuskegee Airmen — the first black fighter pilots — and he also happens to be Iain ’ s great-grandfather .
After more than 130 combat missions in World War II , he came back to a country still struggling for Civil Rights and went on to serve America in Korea and Vietnam .
On December 7th , Charles celebrated his 100th birthday .
A few weeks ago , I signed a bill promoting Charles McGee to Brigadier General .
And earlier today , I pinned the stars on his shoulders in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our Nation salutes you .
From the pilgrims to our Founders , from the soldiers at Valley Forge to the marchers at Selma , and from President Lincoln to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. , Americans have always rejected limits on our children ’ s future .
Members of Congress , we must never forget that the only victories that matter in Washington are victories that deliver for the American people .
The people are the heart of our country , their dreams are the soul of our country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustains our country .
We must always remember that our job is to put America first !
The next step forward in building an inclusive society is making sure that every young American gets a great education and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream .
Yet , for too long , countless American children have been trapped in failing government schools .
To rescue these students , 18 States have created school choice in the form of Opportunity Scholarships .
The programs are so popular , that tens of thousands of students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those students is Janiyah Davis , a fourth grader from Philadelphia .
Janiyah ’ s mom Stephanie is a single parent .
She would do anything to give her daughter a better future .
But last year , that future was put further out of reach when Pennsylvania ’ s Governor vetoed legislation to expand school choice for 50,000 children .
Janiyah and Stephanie are in the gallery this evening .
But there is more to their story .
Janiyah , I am pleased to inform you that your long wait is over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Opportunity Scholarship has become available , it is going to you , and you will soon be heading to the school of your choice !
Now , I call on the Congress to give 1 million American children the same opportunity Janiyah has just received .
Pass the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act — because no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing government school .
Every young person should have a safe and secure environment in which to learn and grow .
For this reason , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Be Best ” initiative — to advance a safe , healthy , supportive , and drug-free life for the next generation , online , in school , and in our communities .
Thank you , Melania , for your extraordinary love and profound care for America ’ s children .
My Administration is determined to give our citizens the opportunities they need regardless of age or background .
Through our Pledge to American Workers , over 400 companies will also provide new jobs and education opportunities to almost 15 million Americans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our Nation ’ s high schools .
Tonight , I ask the Congress to support our students and back my plan to offer vocational and technical education in every single high school in America .
To expand equal opportunity , I am also proud that we achieved record and permanent funding for our Nation ’ s Historically Black Colleges and Universities .
A good life for American families also requires the most affordable , innovative , and high-quality healthcare system on Earth .
Before I took office , health insurance premiums had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I moved quickly to provide affordable alternatives .
Our new plans are up to 60 percent less expensive .
I have also made an ironclad pledge to American families : We will always protect patients with pre-existing conditions — that is a guarantee .
And we will always protect your Medicare and your Social Security .
The American patient should never be blindsided by medical bills .
That is why I signed an Executive Order requiring price transparency .
Many experts believe that transparency , which will go into full effect at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be even bigger than healthcare reform .
It will save families massive amounts of money for substantially better care .
But as we work to improve Americans ’ healthcare , there are those who want to take away your healthcare , take away your doctor , and abolish private insurance entirely .
One hundred thirty-two lawmakers in this room have endorsed legislation to impose a socialist takeover of our healthcare system , wiping out the private health insurance plans of 180 million Americans .
To those watching at home tonight , I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let socialism destroy American healthcare !
Over 130 legislators in this chamber have endorsed legislation that would bankrupt our Nation by providing free taxpayer-funded healthcare to millions of illegal aliens , forcing taxpayers to subsidize free care for anyone in the world who unlawfully crosses our borders .
These proposals would raid the Medicare benefits our seniors depend on , while acting as a powerful lure for illegal immigration .
This is what is happening in California and other States — their systems are totally out of control , costing taxpayers vast and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American taxpayers to provide unlimited free healthcare to illegal aliens sounds fair to you , then stand with the radical left .
But if you believe that we should defend American patients and American seniors , then stand with me and pass legislation to prohibit free Government healthcare for illegal aliens !
This will be a tremendous boon to our already very-strongly guarded southern border where , as we speak , a long , tall , and very powerful wall is being built .
We have now completed over 100 miles and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early next year .
My Administration is also taking on the big pharmaceutical companies .
We have approved a record number of affordable generic drugs , and medicines are being approved by the FDA at a faster clip than ever before .
I was pleased to announce last year that , for the first time in 51 years , the cost of prescription drugs actually went down .
And working together , the Congress can reduce drug prices substantially from current levels .
I have been speaking to Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get something on drug pricing done , and done properly .
I am calling for bipartisan legislation that achieves the goal of dramatically lowering prescription drug prices .
Get a bill to my desk , and I will sign it into law without delay .
With unyielding commitment , we are curbing the opioid epidemic — drug overdose deaths declined for the first time in nearly 30 years .
Among the States hardest hit , Ohio is down 22 percent , Pennsylvania is down 18 percent , Wisconsin is down 10 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have beaten the opioid epidemic once and for all .
Protecting Americans ’ health also means fighting infectious diseases .
We are coordinating with the Chinese government and working closely together on the Coronavirus outbreak in China .
My Administration will take all necessary steps to safeguard our citizens from this threat .
We have launched ambitious new initiatives to substantially improve care for Americans with kidney disease , Alzheimer ’ s , and those struggling with mental health challenges .
And because the Congress funded my request , we are pursuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will eradicate the AIDS epidemic in America by the end of the decade .
Almost every American family knows the pain when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness .
Here tonight is a special man , someone beloved by millions of Americans who just received a Stage 4 advanced cancer diagnosis .
This is not good news , but what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet .
Rush Limbaugh : Thank you for your decades of tireless devotion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognition of all that you have done for our Nation , the millions of people a day that you speak to and inspire , and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity , I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country ’ s highest civilian honor , the Presidential Medal of Freedom .
I will now ask the First Lady of the United States to please stand and present you with the honor .
Rush , Kathryn , congratulations !
As we pray for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that America is constantly achieving new medical breakthroughs .
In 2017 , doctors at St. Luke ’ s hospital in Kansas City delivered one of the earliest premature babies ever to survive .
Born at just 21 weeks and 6 days , and weighing less than a pound , Ellie Schneider was born a fighter .
Through the skill of her doctors — and the prayers of her parents — little Ellie kept on winning the battle for life .
Today , Ellie is a strong , healthy 2-year-old girl sitting with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ellie and Robin : We are so glad you are here .
Ellie reminds us that every child is a miracle of life .
Thanks to modern medical wonders , 50 percent of very premature babies delivered at the hospital where Ellie was born now survive .
Our goal should be to ensure that every baby has the best chance to thrive and grow just like Ellie .
That is why I am asking the Congress to provide an additional $ 50 million to fund neo-natal research for America ’ s youngest patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling upon the Members of Congress here tonight to pass legislation finally banning the late-term abortion of babies .
Whether we are Republican , Democrat , or Independent , surely we must all agree that every human life is a sacred gift from God !
As we support America ’ s moms and dads , I was recently proud to sign the law providing new parents in the Federal workforce paid family leave , serving as a model for the rest of the country .
Now , I call on the Congress to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Families Act , extending family leave to mothers and fathers all across the Nation .
Forty million American families have an average $ 2,200 extra thanks to our child tax credit .
I have also overseen historic funding increases for high-quality child care , enabling 17 States to serve more children , many of which have reduced or eliminated their waitlists altogether .
And I sent the Congress a plan with a vision to further expand access to high-quality childcare and urge you to act immediately .
To protect the environment , days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States will join the One Trillion Trees Initiative , an ambitious effort to bring together Government and the private sector to plant new trees in America and around the world .
We must also rebuild America ’ s infrastructure .
I ask you to pass Senator Barrasso ’ s highway bill — to invest in new roads , bridges , and tunnels across our land .
I am also committed to ensuring that every citizen can have access to high-speed internet , including rural America .
A better tomorrow for all Americans also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That means supporting the men and women of law enforcement at every level , including our Nation ’ s heroic ICE officers .
Last year , our brave ICE officers arrested more than 120,000 criminal aliens charged with nearly 10,000 burglaries , 5,000 sexual assaults , 45,000 violent assaults , and 2,000 murders .
Tragically , there are many cities in America where radical politicians have chosen to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegal aliens .
In Sanctuary Cities , local officials order police to release dangerous criminal aliens to prey upon the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ICE to be safely removed .
Just 29 days ago , a criminal alien freed by the Sanctuary City of New York was charged with the brutal rape and murder of a 92-year-old woman .
The killer had been previously arrested for assault , but under New York ’ s sanctuary policies , he was set free .
If the city had honored ICE ’ s detainer request , his victim would be alive today .
The State of California passed an outrageous law declaring their whole State to be a sanctuary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results .
Here is just one tragic example .
In December 2018 , California police detained an illegal alien with five prior arrests , including convictions for robbery and assault .
But as required by California ’ s Sanctuary Law , local authorities released him .
Days later , the criminal alien went on a gruesome spree of deadly violence .
He viciously shot one man going about his daily work ; he approached a woman sitting in her car and shot her in the arm and the chest .
He walked into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon .
He hijacked a truck and smashed into vehicles , critically injuring innocent victims .
One of the victims of his bloody rampage was a 51-year-old American named Rocky Jones .
Rocky was at a gas station when this vile criminal fired eight bullets at him from close range , murdering him in cold blood .
Rocky left behind a devoted family , including his brothers who loved him more than anything .
One of his grieving brothers is here with us tonight .
Jody , would you please stand ?
Jody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and we will not rest until you have justice .
Senator Thom Tillis has introduced legislation to allow Americans like Jody to sue Sanctuary Cities and States when a loved one is hurt or killed as a result of these deadly policies .
I ask the Congress to pass the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act immediately .
The United States of America should be a sanctuary for law-abiding Americans — not criminal aliens !
In the last 3 years , ICE has arrested over 5,000 wicked human traffickers — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stamp out the menace of human trafficking , domestically and around the globe .
My Administration has undertaken an unprecedented effort to secure the southern border of the United States .
Before I came into office , if you showed up illegally on our southern border and were arrested , you were simply released and allowed into our country , never to be seen again .
My Administration has ended Catch-and-Release .
If you come illegally , you will now be promptly removed .
We entered into historic cooperation agreements with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salvador , and Guatemala .
As a result of our unprecedented efforts , illegal crossings are down 75 percent since May — dropping 8 straight months in a row .
And as the wall goes up , drug seizures rise , and border crossings go down .
Last year , I traveled to the border in Texas and met Chief Patrol Agent Raul Ortiz .
Over the last 24 months , Agent Ortiz and his team have seized more than 200,000 pounds of poisonous narcotics , arrested more than 3,000 human smugglers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Days ago , Agent Ortiz was promoted to Deputy Chief of Border Patrol — and he joins us tonight .
Chief Ortiz : Please stand — a grateful Nation thanks you and all the heroes of Border Patrol .
To build on these historic gains , we are working on legislation to replace our outdated and randomized immigration system with one based on merit , welcoming those who follow the rules , contribute to our economy , support themselves financially , and uphold our values .
With every action , my Administration is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the culture of American freedom .
Working with Senate Majority Leader McConnell and his colleagues in the Senate , we have confirmed a record number of 187 new Federal judges to uphold our Constitution as written .
This includes two brilliant new Supreme Court Justices , Neil Gorsuch , and Brett Kavanaugh .
My Administration is also defending religious liberty , and that includes the Constitutional right to pray in public schools .
In America , we do not punish prayer .
We do not tear down crosses .
We do not ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ muzzle preachers and pastors .
In America , we celebrate faith .
We cherish religion .
We lift our voices in prayer , and we raise our sights to the Glory of God !
Just as we believe in the First Amendment , we also believe in another Constitutional right that is under siege all across our country .
So long as I am President I will always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms .
In reaffirming our heritage as a free Nation , we must remember that America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now we must embrace the next frontier , America ’ s manifest destiny in the stars .
I am asking the Congress to fully fund the Artemis program to ensure that the next man and the first woman on the moon will be American astronauts — using this as a launching pad to ensure that America is the first nation to plant its flag on Mars .
My Administration is also strongly defending our national security and combating radical Islamic terrorism .
Last week , I announced a groundbreaking plan for peace between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all past attempts have failed , we must be determined and creative in order to stabilize the region and give millions of young people the change to realize a better future .
Three years ago , the barbarians of ISIS held over 20,000 square miles of territory in Iraq and Syria .
Today , the ISIS territorial caliphate has been 100 percent destroyed , and the founder and leader of ISIS — the bloodthirsty killer Al‑Baghdadi — is dead !
We are joined this evening by Carl and Marsha Mueller .
After graduating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became a humanitarian aid worker .
Kayla once wrote , “ Some people find God in church .
Some people find God in nature .
Some people find God in love ; I find God in suffering .
I ’ ve known for some time what my life ’ s work is , using my hands as tools to relieve suffering.
” In 2013 , while caring for suffering civilians in Syria , Kayla was kidnapped , tortured , and enslaved by ISIS , and kept as a prisoner of Al-Baghdadi himself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ captivity , Al-Baghdadi murdered young Kayla .
She was just 26 years old .
On the night that United States Special Forces Operators ended Al‑Baghdadi ’ s miserable life , the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , General Mark Milley , received a call in the Situation Room .
He was told that the brave men of the elite Special Forces team , that so perfectly carried out the operation , had given their mission a name — “ Task Force 8-14.
” It was a reference to a special day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthday .
Carl and Marsha , America ’ s warriors never forgot Kayla — and neither will we .
Every day , America ’ s men and women in uniform demonstrate the infinite depths of love that dwells in the human heart .
One of these American heroes was Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Hake .
On his second deployment to Iraq in 2008 , Sergeant Hake wrote a letter to his 1-year-old son , Gage : “ I will be with you again , ” he wrote to Gage .
“ I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , build your first sand box , watch you play sports and see you have kids also .
I love you son , take care of your mother .
I am always with you .
Dad.
” On Easter Sunday of 2008 , Chris was out on patrol in Baghdad when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb .
That night , he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country .
Sergeant Hake now rests in eternal glory in Arlington , and his wife Kelli is in the gallery tonight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now 13 years old .
To Kelli and Gage : Chris will live in our hearts forever .
The terrorist responsible for killing Sergeant Hake was Qasem Soleimani , who provided the deadly roadside bomb that took Chris ’ s life .
Soleimani was the Iranian Regime ’ s most ruthless butcher , a monster who murdered or wounded thousands of American service members in Iraq .
As the world ’ s top terrorist , Soleimani orchestrated the deaths of countless men , women , and children .
He directed the December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and was actively planning new attacks .
That is why , last month , at my direction , the United States Military executed a flawless precision strike that killed Soleimani and terminated his evil reign of terror forever .
Our message to the terrorists is clear : You will never escape American justice .
If you attack our citizens , you forfeit your life !
In recent months , we have seen proud Iranians raise their voices against their oppressive rulers .
The Iranian regime must abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and destruction , and start working for the good of its own people .
Because of our powerful sanctions , the Iranian economy is doing very poorly .
We can help them make it very good in a short period of time , but perhaps they are too proud or too foolish to ask for that help .
We are here .
Let ’ s see which road they choose .
It is totally up to them .
As we defend American lives , we are working to end America ’ s wars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the determination and valor of our warfighters has allowed us to make tremendous progress , and peace talks are underway .
I am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan , many of them innocent .
It is also not our function to serve other nations as a law enforcement agency .
These are warfighters , the best in the world , and they either want to fight to win or not fight at all .
We are working to finally end America ’ s longest war and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places a heavy burden on our Nation ’ s extraordinary military families , especially spouses like Amy Williams from Fort Bragg , North Carolina , and her 2 children — 6-year-old Elliana and 3-year-old Rowan .
Amy works full time , and volunteers countless hours helping other military families .
For the past 7 months , she has done it all while her husband , Sergeant First Class Townsend Williams , is in Afghanistan on his fourth deployment to the Middle East .
Amy ’ s kids have not seen their father ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , your family ’ s sacrifice makes it possible for all of our families to live in safety and peace — we thank you .
As the world bears witness tonight , America is a land of heroes .
This is the place where greatness is born , where destinies are forged , and where legends come to life .
This is the home of Thomas Edison and Teddy Roosevelt , of many great Generals , including Washington , Pershing , Patton , and MacArthur .
This is the home of Abraham Lincoln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harriet Tubman , the Wright Brothers , Neil Armstrong , and so many more .
This is the country where children learn names like Wyatt Earp , Davy Crockett , and Annie Oakley .
This is the place where the pilgrims landed at Plymouth and where Texas patriots made their last stand at the Alamo .
The American Nation was carved out of the vast frontier by the toughest , strongest , fiercest , and most determined men and women ever to walk the face of the Earth .
Our ancestors braved the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wild West ; lifted millions from poverty , disease , and hunger ; vanquished tyranny and fascism ; ushered the world to new heights of science and medicine ; laid down the railroads , dug out canals , raised up the skyscrapers — and , ladies and gentlemen , our ancestors built the most exceptional Republic ever to exist in all of human history .
And we are making it greater than ever before !
This is our glorious and magnificent inheritance .
We are Americans .
We are the pioneers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new world , we built the modern world , and we changed history forever by embracing the eternal truth that everyone is made equal by the hand of Almighty God .
America is the place where anything can happen !
America is the place where anyone can rise .
And here , on this land , on this soil , on this continent , the most incredible dreams come true !
This Nation is our canvas , and this country is our masterpiece .
We look at tomorrow and see unlimited frontiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brightest discoveries are not yet known .
Our most thrilling stories are not yet told .
Our grandest journeys are not yet made .
The American Age , the American Epic , the American Adventure , has only just begun !
Our spirit is still young ; the sun is still rising ; God ’ s grace is still shining ; and my fellow Americans , the best is yet to come !
Thank you .
God Bless You .
God Bless America .

Trump was also tossing out surprises like Oprah did on her “Favorite Things” episode.
During the barn-burner of a speech, President Trump announced that a 9-year old girl would be given a scholarship to attend the school of her choice, Rush Limbaugh was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the last living member of the Tuskegee Airmen was awarded his stars to become a Brigadier General, and a family who was separated — because of faithful military service to America — was reunited.
Republicans were chanting “Four more years!” as President Trump stepped up to the podium to deliver his address.
Here is the full transcript of the speech along with the relevant videoes where he introduces his guests:
Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and my fellow citizens:
Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results. Jobs are booming, incomes are soaring, poverty is plummeting, crime is falling, confidence is surging, and our country is thriving and highly respected again! America’s enemies are on the run, America’s fortunes are on the rise, and America’s future is blazing bright.
The years of economic decay are over. The days of our country being used, taken advantage of, and even scorned by other nations are long behind us. Gone too are the broken promises, jobless recoveries, tired platitudes, and constant excuses for the depletion of American wealth, power, and prestige.
In just 3 short years, we have shattered the mentality of American decline, and we have rejected the downsizing of America’s destiny. We are moving forward at a pace that was unimaginable just a short time ago, and we are never going back!
I am thrilled to report to you tonight that our economy is the best it has ever been. Our military is completely rebuilt, with its power being unmatched anywhere in the world — and it is not even close. Our borders are secure. Our families are flourishing. Our values are renewed. Our pride is restored. And for all these reasons, I say to the people of our great country, and to the Members of Congress before me: The State of our Union is stronger than ever before!
The vision I will lay out this evening demonstrates how we are building the world’s most prosperous and inclusive society — one where every citizen can join in America’s unparalleled success, and where every community can take part in America’s extraordinary rise.
From the instant I took office, I moved rapidly to revive the United States economy — slashing a record number of job-killing regulations, enacting historic and record-setting tax cuts, and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements. Our agenda is relentlessly pro-worker, pro-family, pro-growth, and, most of all, pro-American. We are advancing with unbridled optimism and lifting high our citizens of every race, color, religion, and creed.
Since my election, we have created 7 million new jobs — 5 million more than Government experts projected during the previous administration.
The unemployment rate is the lowest in over half a century.
Incredibly, the average unemployment rate under my Administration is lower than any administration in the history of our country. If we had not reversed the failed economic policies of the previous administration, the world would not now be witness to America’s great economic success.
The unemployment rates for African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Asian-Americans have reached the lowest levels in history. African-American youth unemployment has reached an all-time low.
African-American poverty has declined to the lowest rate ever recorded.
The unemployment rate for women reached the lowest level in almost 70 years — and last year, women filled 72 percent of all new jobs added.
The veterans’ unemployment rate dropped to a record low.
The unemployment rate for disabled Americans has reached an all-time low.
Workers without a high school diploma have achieved the lowest unemployment rate recorded in United States history.
A record number of young Americans are now employed.
Under the last administration, more than 10 million people were added to the food stamp rolls. Under my Administration, 7 million Americans have come off of food stamps, and 10 million people have been lifted off of welfare.
In 8 years under the last administration, over 300,000 working-age people dropped out of the workforce. In just 3 years of my Administration, 3.5 million working-age people have joined the workforce.
Since my election, the net worth of the bottom half of wage-earners has increased by 47 percent — 3 times faster than the increase for the top 1 percent. After decades of flat and falling incomes, wages are rising fast — and, wonderfully, they are rising fastest for low-income workers, who have seen a 16 percent pay-increase since my election. This is a blue collar boom.
Real median household income is now at the highest level ever recorded!
Since my election, United States stock markets have soared 70 percent, adding more than $12 trillion to our Nation’s wealth, transcending anything anyone believed was possible — this, as other countries are not doing well. Consumer confidence has reached amazing new heights.
All of those millions of people with 401(k)s and pensions are doing far better than they have ever done before with increases of 60, 70, 80, 90, and even 100 percent.
Jobs and investment are pouring into 9,000 previously-neglected neighborhoods thanks to Opportunity Zones, a plan spearheaded by Senator Tim Scott as part of our great Republican tax cuts. In other words, wealthy people and companies are pouring money into poor neighborhoods or areas that have not seen investment in many decades, creating jobs, energy, and excitement. This is the first time that these deserving communities have seen anything like this. It is all working!
Opportunity Zones are helping Americans like Army Veteran Tony Rankins from Cincinnati, Ohio. After struggling with drug addiction, Tony lost his job, his house, and his family — he was homeless. But then Tony found a construction company that invests in Opportunity Zones. He is now a top tradesman, drug-free, reunited with his family, and he is here tonight. Tony: Keep up the great work.
Donald Trump talks about 'opportunity zones' saying they helped people like Army veteran Tony Rankins, who's sitting in the audience pic.twitter.com/22H9lyBNo4 — ABC News (@abcnews) February 5, 2020
Our roaring economy has, for the first time ever, given many former prisoners the ability to get a great job and a fresh start. This second chance at life is made possible because we passed landmark Criminal Justice Reform into law. Everybody said that Criminal Justice Reform could not be done, but I got it done, and the people in this room got it done.
Thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign, the United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world, by far. With the tremendous progress we have made over the past 3 years, America is now energy independent, and energy jobs, like so many elements of our country, are at a record high. We are doing numbers that no one would have thought possible just 3 years ago.
Likewise, we are restoring our Nation’s manufacturing might, even though predictions were that this could never be done. After losing 60,000 factories under the previous two administrations, America has now gained 12,000 new factories under my Administration with thousands upon thousands of plants and factories being planned or built. We have created over half a million new manufacturing jobs. Companies are not leaving; they are coming back. Everybody wants to be where the action is, and the United States of America is, indeed, where the action is.
One of the single biggest promises I made to the American people was to replace the disastrous NAFTA trade deal. In fact, unfair trade is perhaps the single biggest reason that I decided to run for President. Following NAFTA’s adoption, our Nation lost one in four manufacturing jobs. Many politicians came and went, pledging to change or replace NAFTA — only to do absolutely nothing. But unlike so many who came before me, I keep my promises. Six days ago, I replaced NAFTA and signed the brand new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law.
The USMCA will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs, and massively boost exports for our farmers, ranchers, and factory workers. It will also bring trade with Mexico and Canada to a much higher degree, but also to a much greater level of fairness and reciprocity. This is the first major trade deal in many years to earn the strong backing of America’s labor unions.
I also promised our citizens that I would impose tariffs to confront China’s massive theft of American jobs. Our strategy worked. Days ago, we signed the groundbreaking new agreement with China that will defend our workers, protect our intellectual property, bring billions of dollars into our treasury, and open vast new markets for products made and grown right here in the United States of America. For decades, China has taken advantage of the United States, now we have changed that but, at the same time, we have perhaps the best relationship we have ever had with China, including with President Xi. They respect what we have done because, quite frankly, they could never believe what they were able to get away with year after year, decade after decade, without someone in our country stepping up and saying: Enough. Now, we want to rebuild our country, and that is what we are doing.
As we restore American leadership throughout the world, we are once again standing up for freedom in our hemisphere. That is why my Administration reversed the failing policies of the previous administration on Cuba. We are supporting the hopes of Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to restore democracy. The United States is leading a 59-nation diplomatic coalition against the socialist dictator of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, a tyrant who brutalizes his people. But Maduro’s grip of tyranny will be smashed and broken. Here this evening is a man who carries with him the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of all Venezuelans. Joining us in the gallery is the true and legitimate President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó. Mr. President, please take this message back to your homeland. All Americans are united with the Venezuelan people in their righteous struggle for freedom! Socialism destroys nations. But always remember, freedom unifies the soul.
En su tercer informe "State of the Union", Trump presenta como presidente de Venezuela a Juan Guido en el Capitolio, además de asegurar la caída de Maduro. ¿Qué pensarán acá los chavistas?, ¿@yeidckol, @fernandeznorona, @martibatres, @gibranrr, comentarios?#RDF #FelizMartes pic.twitter.com/kZxYEMIpoC — República de FiFidonia (@RepDeFiFidonia) February 5, 2020
To safeguard American Liberty, we have invested a record-breaking $2.2 trillion in the United States Military. We have purchased the finest planes, missiles, rockets, ships, and every other form of military equipment — all made in the United States of America. We are also finally getting our allies to help pay their fair share. I have raised contributions from the other NATO members by more than $400 billion, and the number of allies meeting their minimum obligations has more than doubled.
And just weeks ago, for the first time since President Truman established the Air Force more than 70 years earlier, we created a new branch of the United States Armed Forces, the Space Force.
In the gallery tonight, we have one of the Space Force’s youngest potential recruits: 13-year-old Iain Lanphier, an eighth grader from Arizona. Iain has always dreamed of going to space. He was first in his class and among the youngest at an aviation academy. He aspires to go to the Air Force Academy, and then, he has his eye on the Space Force. As Iain says, “most people look up at space, I want to look down on the world.”
MUST WATCH: President @realDonaldTrump tells the story of a boy who wants to join the #SpaceForce#SOTU pic.twitter.com/kdKzE29RRG — Team Trump (#SOTU2020) (@TeamTrump) February 5, 2020
Sitting beside Iain tonight is his great hero. Charles McGee was born in Cleveland, Ohio, one century ago. Charles is one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen — the first black fighter pilots — and he also happens to be Iain’s great-grandfather. After more than 130 combat missions in World War II, he came back to a country still struggling for Civil Rights and went on to serve America in Korea and Vietnam. On December 7th, Charles celebrated his 100th birthday. A few weeks ago, I signed a bill promoting Charles McGee to Brigadier General. And earlier today, I pinned the stars on his shoulders in the Oval Office. General McGee: Our Nation salutes you.
From the pilgrims to our Founders, from the soldiers at Valley Forge to the marchers at Selma, and from President Lincoln to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Americans have always rejected limits on our children’s future.
Members of Congress, we must never forget that the only victories that matter in Washington are victories that deliver for the American people. The people are the heart of our country, their dreams are the soul of our country, and their love is what powers and sustains our country. We must always remember that our job is to put America first!
The next step forward in building an inclusive society is making sure that every young American gets a great education and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Yet, for too long, countless American children have been trapped in failing government schools. To rescue these students, 18 States have created school choice in the form of Opportunity Scholarships. The programs are so popular, that tens of thousands of students remain on waiting lists. One of those students is Janiyah Davis, a fourth grader from Philadelphia. Janiyah’s mom Stephanie is a single parent. She would do anything to give her daughter a better future. But last year, that future was put further out of reach when Pennsylvania’s Governor vetoed legislation to expand school choice for 50,000 children.
Janiyah and Stephanie are in the gallery this evening. But there is more to their story. Janiyah, I am pleased to inform you that your long wait is over. I can proudly announce tonight that an Opportunity Scholarship has become available, it is going to you, and you will soon be heading to the school of your choice!
Another stunning but unsurprising moment from Democrats during the #SOTU. Democrats remain seated as President Trump awards an “opportunity scholarship” to 4th grader pic.twitter.com/BdTa4B64a5 — Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) February 5, 2020
Now, I call on the Congress to give 1 million American children the same opportunity Janiyah has just received. Pass the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act — because no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing government school.
Every young person should have a safe and secure environment in which to learn and grow. For this reason, our magnificent First Lady has launched the “Be Best” initiative — to advance a safe, healthy, supportive, and drug-free life for the next generation, online, in school, and in our communities. Thank you, Melania, for your extraordinary love and profound care for America’s children.
My Administration is determined to give our citizens the opportunities they need regardless of age or background. Through our Pledge to American Workers, over 400 companies will also provide new jobs and education opportunities to almost 15 million Americans.
My Budget also contains an exciting vision for our Nation’s high schools. Tonight, I ask the Congress to support our students and back my plan to offer vocational and technical education in every single high school in America.
To expand equal opportunity, I am also proud that we achieved record and permanent funding for our Nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
A good life for American families also requires the most affordable, innovative, and high-quality healthcare system on Earth. Before I took office, health insurance premiums had more than doubled in just 5 years. I moved quickly to provide affordable alternatives. Our new plans are up to 60 percent less expensive. I have also made an ironclad pledge to American families: We will always protect patients with pre-existing conditions — that is a guarantee. And we will always protect your Medicare and your Social Security.
The American patient should never be blindsided by medical bills. That is why I signed an Executive Order requiring price transparency. Many experts believe that transparency, which will go into full effect at the beginning of next year, will be even bigger than healthcare reform. It will save families massive amounts of money for substantially better care.
But as we work to improve Americans’ healthcare, there are those who want to take away your healthcare, take away your doctor, and abolish private insurance entirely. One hundred thirty-two lawmakers in this room have endorsed legislation to impose a socialist takeover of our healthcare system, wiping out the private health insurance plans of 180 million Americans. To those watching at home tonight, I want you to know: We will never let socialism destroy American healthcare!
Over 130 legislators in this chamber have endorsed legislation that would bankrupt our Nation by providing free taxpayer-funded healthcare to millions of illegal aliens, forcing taxpayers to subsidize free care for anyone in the world who unlawfully crosses our borders. These proposals would raid the Medicare benefits our seniors depend on, while acting as a powerful lure for illegal immigration. This is what is happening in California and other States — their systems are totally out of control, costing taxpayers vast and unaffordable amounts of money. If forcing American taxpayers to provide unlimited free healthcare to illegal aliens sounds fair to you, then stand with the radical left. But if you believe that we should defend American patients and American seniors, then stand with me and pass legislation to prohibit free Government healthcare for illegal aliens!
This will be a tremendous boon to our already very-strongly guarded southern border where, as we speak, a long, tall, and very powerful wall is being built. We have now completed over 100 miles and will have over 500 miles fully completed by early next year.
My Administration is also taking on the big pharmaceutical companies. We have approved a record number of affordable generic drugs, and medicines are being approved by the FDA at a faster clip than ever before. I was pleased to announce last year that, for the first time in 51 years, the cost of prescription drugs actually went down.
And working together, the Congress can reduce drug prices substantially from current levels. I have been speaking to Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and others in the Congress in order to get something on drug pricing done, and done properly. I am calling for bipartisan legislation that achieves the goal of dramatically lowering prescription drug prices. Get a bill to my desk, and I will sign it into law without delay.
With unyielding commitment, we are curbing the opioid epidemic — drug overdose deaths declined for the first time in nearly 30 years. Among the States hardest hit, Ohio is down 22 percent, Pennsylvania is down 18 percent, Wisconsin is down 10 percent — and we will not quit until we have beaten the opioid epidemic once and for all.
Protecting Americans’ health also means fighting infectious diseases. We are coordinating with the Chinese government and working closely together on the Coronavirus outbreak in China. My Administration will take all necessary steps to safeguard our citizens from this threat.
We have launched ambitious new initiatives to substantially improve care for Americans with kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and those struggling with mental health challenges. And because the Congress funded my request, we are pursuing new cures for childhood cancer, and we will eradicate the AIDS epidemic in America by the end of the decade.
Almost every American family knows the pain when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness. Here tonight is a special man, someone beloved by millions of Americans who just received a Stage 4 advanced cancer diagnosis. This is not good news, but what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet. Rush Limbaugh: Thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to our country. Rush, in recognition of all that you have done for our Nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I will now ask the First Lady of the United States to please stand and present you with the honor. Rush, Kathryn, congratulations!
Rush Limbaugh has advanced lung cancer.
A bad, bad diagnosis.
Trump brought Rush to the State of the Union.
Rush was honored & given multiple standing O’s.
Melania give him the Medal of Freedom ON THE SPOT.
No other Republican would have the balls to do this.
Why I support Trump: pic.twitter.com/lpKT5SI7nJ — Benny (@bennyjohnson) February 5, 2020
As we pray for all who are sick, we know that America is constantly achieving new medical breakthroughs. In 2017, doctors at St. Luke’s hospital in Kansas City delivered one of the earliest premature babies ever to survive. Born at just 21 weeks and 6 days, and weighing less than a pound, Ellie Schneider was born a fighter. Through the skill of her doctors — and the prayers of her parents — little Ellie kept on winning the battle for life. Today, Ellie is a strong, healthy 2-year-old girl sitting with her amazing mother Robin in the gallery. Ellie and Robin: We are so glad you are here.
Ellie reminds us that every child is a miracle of life. Thanks to modern medical wonders, 50 percent of very premature babies delivered at the hospital where Ellie was born now survive. Our goal should be to ensure that every baby has the best chance to thrive and grow just like Ellie. That is why I am asking the Congress to provide an additional $50 million to fund neo-natal research for America’s youngest patients. That is also why I am calling upon the Members of Congress here tonight to pass legislation finally banning the late-term abortion of babies.
Whether we are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, surely we must all agree that every human life is a sacred gift from God!
President Donald Trump honors Ellie Schneider, a little girl born at just 21 weeks 6 days. Ellie and her mother Robin are in the gallery for the speech. #ProLife #SOTU pic.twitter.com/Axf5jH5C0W — EWTN News Nightly (@EWTNNewsNightly) February 5, 2020
As we support America’s moms and dads, I was recently proud to sign the law providing new parents in the Federal workforce paid family leave, serving as a model for the rest of the country. Now, I call on the Congress to pass the bipartisan Advancing Support for Working Families Act, extending family leave to mothers and fathers all across the Nation.
Forty million American families have an average $2,200 extra thanks to our child tax credit. I have also overseen historic funding increases for high-quality child care, enabling 17 States to serve more children, many of which have reduced or eliminated their waitlists altogether. And I sent the Congress a plan with a vision to further expand access to high-quality childcare and urge you to act immediately.
To protect the environment, days ago, I announced that the United States will join the One Trillion Trees Initiative, an ambitious effort to bring together Government and the private sector to plant new trees in America and around the world.
We must also rebuild America’s infrastructure. I ask you to pass Senator Barrasso’s highway bill — to invest in new roads, bridges, and tunnels across our land.
I am also committed to ensuring that every citizen can have access to high-speed internet, including rural America.
A better tomorrow for all Americans also requires us to keep America safe. That means supporting the men and women of law enforcement at every level, including our Nation’s heroic ICE officers.
Last year, our brave ICE officers arrested more than 120,000 criminal aliens charged with nearly 10,000 burglaries, 5,000 sexual assaults, 45,000 violent assaults, and 2,000 murders.
Tragically, there are many cities in America where radical politicians have chosen to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegal aliens. In Sanctuary Cities, local officials order police to release dangerous criminal aliens to prey upon the public, instead of handing them over to ICE to be safely removed.
Just 29 days ago, a criminal alien freed by the Sanctuary City of New York was charged with the brutal rape and murder of a 92-year-old woman. The killer had been previously arrested for assault, but under New York’s sanctuary policies, he was set free. If the city had honored ICE’s detainer request, his victim would be alive today.
The State of California passed an outrageous law declaring their whole State to be a sanctuary for criminal illegal immigrants — with catastrophic results.
Here is just one tragic example. In December 2018, California police detained an illegal alien with five prior arrests, including convictions for robbery and assault. But as required by California’s Sanctuary Law, local authorities released him.
Days later, the criminal alien went on a gruesome spree of deadly violence. He viciously shot one man going about his daily work; he approached a woman sitting in her car and shot her in the arm and the chest. He walked into a convenience store and wildly fired his weapon. He hijacked a truck and smashed into vehicles, critically injuring innocent victims. One of the victims of his bloody rampage was a 51-year-old American named Rocky Jones. Rocky was at a gas station when this vile criminal fired eight bullets at him from close range, murdering him in cold blood. Rocky left behind a devoted family, including his brothers who loved him more than anything. One of his grieving brothers is here with us tonight. Jody, would you please stand? Jody, our hearts weep for your loss — and we will not rest until you have justice.
President Trump welcomes Jody Jones, who's brother Rocky was killed by an illegal immigrant released under California's sanctuary law. He calls on Congress to pass legislation allowing Americans to sue sanctuary cities and states.#SOTU pic.twitter.com/zf08qrX6bC — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 5, 2020
Senator Thom Tillis has introduced legislation to allow Americans like Jody to sue Sanctuary Cities and States when a loved one is hurt or killed as a result of these deadly policies. I ask the Congress to pass the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act immediately. The United States of America should be a sanctuary for law-abiding Americans — not criminal aliens!
In the last 3 years, ICE has arrested over 5,000 wicked human traffickers — and I have signed 9 pieces of legislation to stamp out the menace of human trafficking, domestically and around the globe.
My Administration has undertaken an unprecedented effort to secure the southern border of the United States.
Before I came into office, if you showed up illegally on our southern border and were arrested, you were simply released and allowed into our country, never to be seen again. My Administration has ended Catch-and-Release. If you come illegally, you will now be promptly removed. We entered into historic cooperation agreements with the Governments of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. As a result of our unprecedented efforts, illegal crossings are down 75 percent since May — dropping 8 straight months in a row. And as the wall goes up, drug seizures rise, and border crossings go down.
Last year, I traveled to the border in Texas and met Chief Patrol Agent Raul Ortiz. Over the last 24 months, Agent Ortiz and his team have seized more than 200,000 pounds of poisonous narcotics, arrested more than 3,000 human smugglers, and rescued more than 2,000 migrants. Days ago, Agent Ortiz was promoted to Deputy Chief of Border Patrol — and he joins us tonight. Chief Ortiz: Please stand — a grateful Nation thanks you and all the heroes of Border Patrol.
To build on these historic gains, we are working on legislation to replace our outdated and randomized immigration system with one based on merit, welcoming those who follow the rules, contribute to our economy, support themselves financially, and uphold our values.
With every action, my Administration is restoring the rule of law and re-asserting the culture of American freedom. Working with Senate Majority Leader McConnell and his colleagues in the Senate, we have confirmed a record number of 187 new Federal judges to uphold our Constitution as written. This includes two brilliant new Supreme Court Justices, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh.
My Administration is also defending religious liberty, and that includes the Constitutional right to pray in public schools. In America, we do not punish prayer. We do not tear down crosses. We do not ban symbols of faith. We do not muzzle preachers and pastors. In America, we celebrate faith. We cherish religion. We lift our voices in prayer, and we raise our sights to the Glory of God!
Just as we believe in the First Amendment, we also believe in another Constitutional right that is under siege all across our country. So long as I am President I will always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
In reaffirming our heritage as a free Nation, we must remember that America has always been a frontier nation. Now we must embrace the next frontier, America’s manifest destiny in the stars. I am asking the Congress to fully fund the Artemis program to ensure that the next man and the first woman on the moon will be American astronauts — using this as a launching pad to ensure that America is the first nation to plant its flag on Mars.
My Administration is also strongly defending our national security and combating radical Islamic terrorism. Last week, I announced a groundbreaking plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Recognizing that all past attempts have failed, we must be determined and creative in order to stabilize the region and give millions of young people the change to realize a better future.
Three years ago, the barbarians of ISIS held over 20,000 square miles of territory in Iraq and Syria. Today, the ISIS territorial caliphate has been 100 percent destroyed, and the founder and leader of ISIS — the bloodthirsty killer Al‑Baghdadi — is dead!
We are joined this evening by Carl and Marsha Mueller. After graduating from college, their beautiful daughter Kayla became a humanitarian aid worker. Kayla once wrote, “Some people find God in church. Some people find God in nature. Some people find God in love; I find God in suffering. I’ve known for some time what my life’s work is, using my hands as tools to relieve suffering.” In 2013, while caring for suffering civilians in Syria, Kayla was kidnapped, tortured, and enslaved by ISIS, and kept as a prisoner of Al-Baghdadi himself. After more than 500 horrifying days of captivity, Al-Baghdadi murdered young Kayla. She was just 26 years old.
On the night that United States Special Forces Operators ended Al‑Baghdadi’s miserable life, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, received a call in the Situation Room. He was told that the brave men of the elite Special Forces team, that so perfectly carried out the operation, had given their mission a name — “Task Force 8-14.” It was a reference to a special day: August 14th — Kayla’s birthday. Carl and Marsha, America’s warriors never forgot Kayla — and neither will we.
"Carl and Marsha, America’s warriors never forgot Kayla — and neither will we.”@realDonaldTrump honored the family of humanitarian Kayla Mueller who was captured and killed by ISIS terrorists in 2015 while working in Syria. pic.twitter.com/BtrVLNZzqh — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 5, 2020
Every day, America’s men and women in uniform demonstrate the infinite depths of love that dwells in the human heart.
One of these American heroes was Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Hake. On his second deployment to Iraq in 2008, Sergeant Hake wrote a letter to his 1-year-old son, Gage: “I will be with you again,” he wrote to Gage. “I will teach you to ride your first bike, build your first sand box, watch you play sports and see you have kids also. I love you son, take care of your mother. I am always with you. Dad.” On Easter Sunday of 2008, Chris was out on patrol in Baghdad when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. That night, he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Sergeant Hake now rests in eternal glory in Arlington, and his wife Kelli is in the gallery tonight, joined by their son, who is now 13 years old. To Kelli and Gage: Chris will live in our hearts forever.
Here's the moment where Trump honored the memory of Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Hake, who was killed in Baghdad on Easter Sunday in 2008 by a roadside bomb supplied by Qassem Soleimani. Hake's wife & son – Kelli & Gage – were two of Trump's #SOTU guests.https://t.co/1Em4SW0zGp pic.twitter.com/7F7ROavyYs — JERRY DUNLEAVY (@JerryDunleavy) February 5, 2020
The terrorist responsible for killing Sergeant Hake was Qasem Soleimani, who provided the deadly roadside bomb that took Chris’s life. Soleimani was the Iranian Regime’s most ruthless butcher, a monster who murdered or wounded thousands of American service members in Iraq. As the world’s top terrorist, Soleimani orchestrated the deaths of countless men, women, and children. He directed the December assault on United States Forces in Iraq, and was actively planning new attacks. That is why, last month, at my direction, the United States Military executed a flawless precision strike that killed Soleimani and terminated his evil reign of terror forever.
Our message to the terrorists is clear: You will never escape American justice. If you attack our citizens, you forfeit your life!
In recent months, we have seen proud Iranians raise their voices against their oppressive rulers. The Iranian regime must abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons, stop spreading terror, death, and destruction, and start working for the good of its own people. Because of our powerful sanctions, the Iranian economy is doing very poorly. We can help them make it very good in a short period of time, but perhaps they are too proud or too foolish to ask for that help. We are here. Let’s see which road they choose. It is totally up to them.
As we defend American lives, we are working to end America’s wars in the Middle East.
In Afghanistan, the determination and valor of our warfighters has allowed us to make tremendous progress, and peace talks are underway. I am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan, many of them innocent. It is also not our function to serve other nations as a law enforcement agency. These are warfighters, the best in the world, and they either want to fight to win or not fight at all. We are working to finally end America’s longest war and bring our troops back home!
War places a heavy burden on our Nation’s extraordinary military families, especially spouses like Amy Williams from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and her 2 children — 6-year-old Elliana and 3-year-old Rowan. Amy works full time, and volunteers countless hours helping other military families. For the past 7 months, she has done it all while her husband, Sergeant First Class Townsend Williams, is in Afghanistan on his fourth deployment to the Middle East. Amy’s kids have not seen their father’s face in many months. Amy, your family’s sacrifice makes it possible for all of our families to live in safety and peace — we thank you. Thank you, Amy.
But Amy, there is one more thing. Tonight we have a very special surprise. I am thrilled to inform you that your husband is back from deployment, he is here with us tonight, and we couldn’t keep him waiting any longer.
President Trump surprises Amy Williams from Fort Bragg with an early homecoming of her husband, Sgt. First Class Townsend Williams, from Afghanistan https://t.co/C3Wm2ERpwP pic.twitter.com/sXVaI0au31 — CBS News (@CBSNews) February 5, 2020
As the world bears witness tonight, America is a land of heroes. This is the place where greatness is born, where destinies are forged, and where legends come to life. This is the home of Thomas Edison and Teddy Roosevelt, of many great Generals, including Washington, Pershing, Patton, and MacArthur. This is the home of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, and so many more. This is the country where children learn names like Wyatt Earp, Davy Crockett, and Annie Oakley. This is the place where the pilgrims landed at Plymouth and where Texas patriots made their last stand at the Alamo.
The American Nation was carved out of the vast frontier by the toughest, strongest, fiercest, and most determined men and women ever to walk the face of the Earth. Our ancestors braved the unknown; tamed the wilderness; settled the Wild West; lifted millions from poverty, disease, and hunger; vanquished tyranny and fascism; ushered the world to new heights of science and medicine; laid down the railroads, dug out canals, raised up the skyscrapers — and, ladies and gentlemen, our ancestors built the most exceptional Republic ever to exist in all of human history. And we are making it greater than ever before!
This is our glorious and magnificent inheritance.
We are Americans. We are the pioneers. We are the pathfinders. We settled the new world, we built the modern world, and we changed history forever by embracing the eternal truth that everyone is made equal by the hand of Almighty God.
America is the place where anything can happen! America is the place where anyone can rise. And here, on this land, on this soil, on this continent, the most incredible dreams come true!
This Nation is our canvas, and this country is our masterpiece. We look at tomorrow and see unlimited frontiers just waiting to be explored. Our brightest discoveries are not yet known. Our most thrilling stories are not yet told. Our grandest journeys are not yet made. The American Age, the American Epic, the American Adventure, has only just begun!
Our spirit is still young; the sun is still rising; God’s grace is still shining; and my fellow Americans, the best is yet to come!
Thank you. God Bless You. God Bless America.


clashdaily--2020-02-05--Dear Bernie: Tech Firm Behind Iowa Caucus Debacle Is Run By Hillary 2016 Alumni

Feeling Burned 2.0 ?
There ’ s no surprise there when you take a peek behind the curtain .
To be fair , it wasn ’ t just Senator Bernie Sanders ( D-VT ) that was hurt by the complete failure at every possible level of the Iowa caucus — Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Warren were also hurt because they weren ’ t able to quickly claim victory .
Although , they all did that anyway after Senator Amy Klobuchar ( D-MN ) decided to take advantage of the stalled news cycle when no precincts were reporting and give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Bernie and his supporters would be skeptical when the reporting was delayed .
He had an impressive amount of support in Iowa and was expected to take the top spot , but after the DNC rigging the primary for Hillary in 2016 , it is reasonable that they ’ d think that it was more of the same when zero numbers were being reported hours after the caucuses should have been completed .
For several months , some of the Democratic candidates have been complaining that the primary has been unfair in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about there being too many or too few candidates during the debates , the rule change that allowed Mike Bloomberg to join the debate in Nevada where he isn ’ t even on the ballot , and various and sundry bellyaching .
Trending : Just In Time For SOTU : Trump Riding High On Polls , Pelosi & Schiff , Not So Much But it turns out that there should have been a bit more digging into what was going on in Iowa .
It turns out a couple of the people that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also involved in the infamous app that failed so horribly .
Should we really be surprised at the cluster*bleep* that the Iowa caucus turned out to be ?
The Huffington Post reported that the app was developed by Shadow Inc. , which was founded by Gerard Niemira and Krista Davis , who both worked on Hillary ’ s 2016 campaign .
According to LinkedIn , Niemira worked on Hillary ’ s campaign as director of product and Davis as a software engineer .
Ahna Rao , Shadow Inc. ’ s Project Manager , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special assistant to the campaign ’ s chief technology officer .
Despite state-level officials being warned ahead of time by local Democratic officials that the app wasn ’ t working properly , problems weren ’ t fixed ahead of caucus day .
Too little too late .
Speaking of too late , before the announcement of partial results being released at 5 pm Eastern , Sean Davis of The Federalist tweeted out that the data was corrupted and all of the original ballots can not be tracked down .
It might mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start over .
That ’ s not the only problem , though .
There ’ s another problem with Shadow Inc. itself .
The parent company of Shadow Inc. is Acronym , a nonprofit campaign consulting company , which is run by Tara McGowan who was a digital producer for Obama for America 2011 .
McGowan raised around $ 25 million from wealthy liberal donors to create a “ progressive ” media company called Courier Newsroom .
It ’ s a liberal-friendly news source designed to counter what she considers to be right-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in swing states to counter what McGowan believes is right-wing spin on Facebook and across the digital domain .
McGowan plans on spending roughly $ 75 million on digital ads to rebut what Democrats believe is President Donald Trump ’ s insurmountable edge in battleground states , Bloomberg Businessweek reported in November .
Along with the Courier Newsroom , McGowan is also creating Virginia Dogwood and Arizona ’ s Copper Courier , among others that are expected to roll out in Michigan , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , Virginia and Wisconsin , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its part , publishes articles that appear to be local in an effort to help develop trust among readers in the area .
McGowan says that objective journalism no longer exists , so it ’ s time for reinvention .
If objective journalism no longer exists , then why is it a problem to have right-leaning news ?
It seems that owning every mainstream outlet besides Fox News isn ’ t enough for the left — they must own it all and have everyone conform .
Joining her in this endeavor is another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Barry ’ s campaign manager in 2008 .
Plouffe recently joined the board of Acronym .
An alternate , and less condescending view , is that people don ’ t like to be denounced for their legitimate political beliefs and are looking for alternatives to the constant vilification by the left .
For example , many on the right — including visible minorities — are tired of being called racist for wanting to stop illegal immigration or wanting hiring processes based on merit rather than racial quotas .
But this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs in media .
Just look at Barry and Michelle creating content for Netflix now that his former National Security Advisor , Susan Rice , is on the board .
But the prime example of this nefarious political realm intersecting with “ journalism ” is Bill Clinton ’ s hatchet man who squashed the “ bimbo eruptions ” , George Stephanopoulos , who is now a serious and allegedly neutral news anchor for ABC News .
That would be the same ABC News that killed the story about the sex abuse allegations against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , yeah .
The left needs yet another media outlet to fight all of that alleged “ deceptive right-wing spin ” on the news .
It ’ s a darn good gig if you can get it .
According to state finance reports , Shadow Inc. received $ 44,666 on Nov. 15 , 2019 , and $ 18,517 on Dec. 6 , 2019 from the Iowa Democratic Party .
Federal Election Commission records show that the Nevada State Democratic Party gave Shadow Inc. $ 58,000 on Aug. 27 , 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this in a couple of weeks .
Even Mayor Pete ’ s campaign has sunk some cash into Shadow Inc. to the tune of $ 42,250 in July 2019 .
All that cash and we don ’ t even have a complete result yet .
This just confirmed one thing — old-fashioned voting techniques like a paper and a ballot aren ’ t antiquated , they ’ re reliable .

***UPDATE: Feb. 5, 2020 10:25 Eastern
Tara McGowan, founder of ACRONYM has released a statement stating that she had nothing to do with Shadow Inc.
Here is the relevant portion of her Twitter thread:
In 2019, ACRONYM became majority investor in @ShadowInchq, a new political tech company founded by @gjniemira with a mission to create more nimble, accessible tech infrastructure for progressive campaigns. Shadow was the 2nd of 3 for-profit companies ACRONYM is a lead investor in — Tara McGowan (@taraemcg) February 6, 2020
As the founder of the org that invested first in Shadow, Gerard provides me with quarterly updates on new client acquisition, profit-and-loss, and new Shadow product roadmaps, but I have no day-to-day engagement with Shadow business or clients. — Tara McGowan (@taraemcg) February 6, 2020
When news reports of Shadow’s involvement started to spread on social media Monday night, press conflated Shadow with ACRONYM – and with me personally. This is when my team moved quickly to post a statement making clear the relationship between ACRONYM and Shadow. — Tara McGowan (@taraemcg) February 6, 2020
If you know me, you know that I have no filter, place a high value on transparency + have no patience for BS. I also run an organization spending $75 million against Trump online, which is the focus of the majority of my time + energy. — Tara McGowan (@taraemcg) February 6, 2020
But what happened was a mistake- a human error. It was a mistake that could have and should have been avoided – and there are many people responsible for it not having been avoided. But that’s all it was. — Tara McGowan (@taraemcg) February 6, 2020
What happened in Iowa on Monday was deeply unfortunate, avoidable + will have consequences that are still hard to fully wrap our heads around. It hurt so many organizers, campaigns and candidates we do our work to support and that breaks my heart. — Tara McGowan (@taraemcg) February 6, 2020
Take McGowan’s statement as you will.
***END UPDATE***
Feeling Burned 2.0? There’s no surprise there when you take a peek behind the curtain.
To be fair, it wasn’t just Senator Bernie Sanders(D-VT) that was hurt by the complete failure at every possible level of the Iowa caucus — Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Warren were also hurt because they weren’t able to quickly claim victory. Although, they all did that anyway after Senator Amy Klobuchar(D-MN) decided to take advantage of the stalled news cycle when no precincts were reporting and give a speech.
It’s understandable that Bernie and his supporters would be skeptical when the reporting was delayed. He had an impressive amount of support in Iowa and was expected to take the top spot, but after the DNC rigging the primary for Hillary in 2016, it is reasonable that they’d think that it was more of the same when zero numbers were being reported hours after the caucuses should have been completed.
For several months, some of the Democratic candidates have been complaining that the primary has been unfair in some way or another. The complaints about there being too many or too few candidates during the debates, the rule change that allowed Mike Bloomberg to join the debate in Nevada where he isn’t even on the ballot, and various and sundry bellyaching.
But it turns out that there should have been a bit more digging into what was going on in Iowa.
It turns out a couple of the people that were helping Hillary lose an election were also involved in the infamous app that failed so horribly.
Should we really be surprised at the cluster*bleep* that the Iowa caucus turned out to be?
The Huffington Post reported that the app was developed by Shadow Inc., which was founded by Gerard Niemira and Krista Davis, who both worked on Hillary’s 2016 campaign. According to LinkedIn, Niemira worked on Hillary’s campaign as director of product and Davis as a software engineer. Ahna Rao, Shadow Inc.’s Project Manager, also worked for the Clinton campaign as a special assistant to the campaign’s chief technology officer.
Shadow is an affiliate of Acronym, a Democratic non-profit. Acronym’s website states it is an “organization committed to building power and digital infrastructure for the progressive movement.” The Iowa Democratic Party had refused to disclose the company building its caucus reporting app due to cybersecurity concerns. HuffPost reported that the Nevada Democratic Party also paid Shadow to design its caucus reporting app. The Nevada Caucus will be held February 22. Source: National Review
Despite state-level officials being warned ahead of time by local Democratic officials that the app wasn’t working properly, problems weren’t fixed ahead of caucus day.
Shadow Inc. issued an apology late Tuesday afternoon.
As the Iowa Democratic Party has confirmed, the underlying data and collection process via Shadow’s mobile caucus app was sound and accurate, but our process to transmit that caucus results data generated via the app to the IDP was not. — Shadow, Inc. (@ShadowIncHQ) February 4, 2020
Too little too late.
Speaking of too late, before the announcement of partial results being released at 5 pm Eastern, Sean Davis of The Federalist tweeted out that the data was corrupted and all of the original ballots cannot be tracked down. It might mean tossing out the entire Iowa caucus and start over.
Iowa Democrats have maybe collected a small fraction of cast ballots, but there’s no way to determine whether any are valid. At best, caucus organizers might have their undated/unsigned pads with results chicken scratched on them. That’s why there’s been no manual count reported. — Sean Davis (@seanmdav) February 4, 2020
Yikes.
That’s not the only problem, though.
There’s another problem with Shadow Inc. itself.
The parent company of Shadow Inc. is ACRONYM, a nonprofit campaign consulting company, which is run by Tara McGowan who was a digital producer for Obama for America 2011. McGowan raised around $25 million from wealthy liberal donors to create a “progressive” media company called Courier Newsroom. It’s a liberal-friendly news source designed to counter what she considers to be right-wing disinformation.
Courier is rolling out newspapers in swing states to counter what McGowan believes is right-wing spin on Facebook and across the digital domain. McGowan plans on spending roughly $75 million on digital ads to rebut what Democrats believe is President Donald Trump’s insurmountable edge in battleground states, Bloomberg Businessweek reported in November. Along with the Courier Newsroom, McGowan is also creating Virginia Dogwood and Arizona’s Copper Courier, among others that are expected to roll out in Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin, all battleground states. The Dogwood, for its part, publishes articles that appear to be local in an effort to help develop trust among readers in the area.
McGowan says that objective journalism no longer exists, so it’s time for reinvention.
If objective journalism no longer exists, then why is it a problem to have right-leaning news?
It seems that owning every mainstream outlet besides Fox News isn’t enough for the left — they must own it all and have everyone conform.
Joining her in this endeavor is another Obama alum, David Plouffe, who was Barry’s campaign manager in 2008. Plouffe recently joined the board of ACRONYM.
“Everybody who clicks on, likes, or shares an article … we get that data back to create a lookalike audience to find other people with similar attributes in the same area. So we continually grow our ability to find people,” said McGowan, a former journalist who worked for CBS News… …“A lot of people I respect will see this media company as an affront to journalistic integrity because it won’t, in their eyes, be balanced,” McGowan noted. “What I say to them is, Balance does not exist anymore, unfortunately.” She added: “We’re losing the information war to verified liars pouring millions of dollars into Facebook.” Source: The Daily Caller
An alternate, and less condescending view, is that people don’t like to be denounced for their legitimate political beliefs and are looking for alternatives to the constant vilification by the left. For example, many on the right — including visible minorities — are tired of being called racist for wanting to stop illegal immigration or wanting hiring processes based on merit rather than racial quotas.
But this is the Democratic party.
Their operatives get high-profile jobs in media. Just look at Barry and Michelle creating content for Netflix now that his former National Security Advisor, Susan Rice, is on the board.
But the prime example of this nefarious political realm intersecting with “journalism” is Bill Clinton’s hatchet man who squashed the “bimbo eruptions”, George Stephanopoulos, who is now a serious and allegedly neutral news anchor for ABC News. That would be the same ABC News that killed the story about the sex abuse allegations against Stephanopoulos’s friend, Jeffrey Epstein.
So, yeah. The left needs yet another media outlet to fight all of that alleged “deceptive right-wing spin” on the news.
It’s a darn good gig if you can get it.
According to state finance reports, Shadow Inc. received $44,666 on Nov. 15, 2019, and $18,517 on Dec. 6, 2019 from the Iowa Democratic Party. Federal Election Commission records show that the Nevada State Democratic Party gave Shadow Inc. $58,000 on Aug. 27, 2019, which means we might get a repeat of this in a couple of weeks. Even Mayor Pete’s campaign has sunk some cash into Shadow Inc. to the tune of $42,250 in July 2019.
All that cash and we don’t even have a complete result yet.
This just confirmed one thing — old-fashioned voting techniques like a paper and a ballot aren’t antiquated, they’re reliable.