Donald Trump faced his House Democratic accusers on Tuesday night with no intention of bringing up the impeachment charges they levied against him, instead focusing his annual State of the Union address on his accomplishments as he pivoted to his re-election campaign.
In an early remarkable moment, Speaker Nancy Pelosi extended her hand to the president after he handed her a bound copy of his remarks but he refused to shake her hand. GOP politicians responded with a “four more years” chant.
Mr Trump told the country he had delivered economic growth and done more than his predecessors to secure the southern border and keep the country safe. But he also sounded several campaign-trail themes as he seeks a second term.
“We will never let socialism destroy American healthcare,” he said.
“Three years ago, we launched the ‘great American comeback’. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results,” Mr Trump said. “In just three 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.”
Democrats, however, reject his contention of an historically “inclusive” economy, saying he has failed to help average Americans.
The excerpts released by the White House did not, as one staffer previewed earlier Tuesday, feature the word impeachment. Aides signalled the president did not intend to bring it up directly – even as he faced his House Democratic accusers for the first time since they launched their Ukraine investigation last October.
“He understands where these fit into history,” said one White House observer, who requested anonymity to speak candidly. “He’s just not going to risk very much tonight.”
Mr Trump instead will sell himself as an economic guru who deserves a second term despite the country’s ongoing political divisions – and its deep chasm in how voters in both parties feel about him. He remains wildly popular with Republicans and deeply unpopular among Democrats.
“From the instant I took office, I moved rapidly to revive the US economy, slashing a record number of job killing-regulations, enacting historic and record-setting tax cuts, and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements,” he will say. “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 US-Mexico–Canada Agreement into law.”
- John T Bennet, The Independent. Story originally titled, Trump Trump shuns Pelosi handshake and pivots to re-election campaign in State of the Union
