Trump promises "renewal of the American spirit" in Congress speech
US President Donald Trump has promised a "renewal of the American spirit" during his first Joint address to Congress. He said a "new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp" which would open a "new chapter of American greatness." His speech was a conventional presidential address, delivered conventionally, as compared to his fiery inaugural address.
Trump breaks silence on Kansas shooting which killed Indian techie
Trump condemned "last week's shooting in Kansas City" which left Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla dead. He also condemned recent cases of vandalism of Jewish Community Centres and Jewish cemeteries. He said such incidents "remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms."
Trump: The US shouldn't "become a sanctuary for extremists"
Trump promised new measures to "keep out those who would do us harm." He said his administration is working to improve vetting procedures for immigrants. He called for bipartisan-support for immigration reform saying it would help create jobs and secure America. The US will move towards a merit-based immigration system rather than lower-skilled. He said that the US-Mexico border wall's construction would begin soon.
Trump calls uncontrolled entry of immigrants without proper vetting "reckless"
"My administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement and border security," said Trump. "It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur," he added.
Trump urges Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare
Trump has called on Congress to repeal and replace his predecessor Barack Obama's healthcare programme Obamacare. He said reforms would help lower healthcare costs and provide access to people with pre-existing conditions. Trump proposed tax credits and expanded health savings accounts for people to purchase health insurance. Legal reforms would help protect patients and doctors from rising insurance costs.
Trump promises corporate tax cuts, relief to middle class
Trump has promised a "massive" tax relief for the middle class. He also vowed "historic" reform to make US companies more competitive globally by offering a reduction in corporate tax rates. However, Trump didn't provide any details on the tax reforms. He also didn't mention a border adjustment tax which the Republicans have proposed in the House of Representatives.
Trump says "Buy American" and "Hire American" will rebuild America
Trump said he will ask Congress to approve legislation opening up $1 trillion investment in infrastructure from both public and private channels. He said "Buy American" and "Hire American" will be the guiding principles of his administration for rebuilding America.
Trump vows to destroy ISIS, boost military spending
Trump promised to send a military budget to Congress, which would contain one of the world's largest defence spending increases. He vowed to destroy ISIS, whom he described as a "network of lawless savages," by working with US allies, including those in the Muslim world. He reaffirmed the "unbreakable" US-Israel relation and vowed to support NATO, provided its members meet their financial obligations.
Trump wrong on F-35, TPP; right on Obama debt
Trump said he's saved millions by bringing down the F-35 warplane's cost. This is partially true as negotiations for this took place weeks before Trump took office. Trump said he's withdrawn from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In reality, the trade treaty was doomed much before Trump became president. Trump said Obama accumulated more public debt than nearly all other presidents combined. This is true.
What Trump didn't say
Trump made no mention of the hundreds of thousands of people who protested worldwide since he took office. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders said Trump didn't utter anything on countering climate change, on how he's going to fix the criminal justice system and on education.
