On Tuesday, President Trump will address a divided Congress for the fifth time, reflecting on his contentious relationship with lawmakers throughout his first term. His speeches showcase a journey from triumphant calls for unity in 2017 amidst Russian meddling claims, to highlighting American hardships and illegal immigration in 2018. In 2019, he faced a newly Democrat-controlled House and called for cooperation, although many Democrats remained resistant. By 2020, following impeachment, Trump emphasized economic successes and initiated his re-election campaign, stringently illustrating the deteriorated dynamics with Democrats, notably when Speaker Pelosi visibly rejected his message by tearing up his speech.
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transcript
Trump and Congress — in Four Speeches
On Tuesday, President Trump will speak to a heavily divided Congress, whose legislative powers are being challenged by his bold executive actions. We reflect on his changing dynamic with Congress through the speeches he delivered during his first term.
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“The president of the United States.” Tuesday marks President Trump’s fifth address to a joint session of Congress. “Our union is stronger than ever before.” His last address concluded with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tearing up the speech in a display of defiance, symbolizing the contentiousness that characterized his initial term. Let’s take a step back to the beginning. With a sense of victory, Trump addressed a Republican-majority Congress amidst allegations of Russian interference in the election. “A new chapter of American greatness is now beginning.” His speech conveyed an ambitious message, calling for party unity to pursue his America First agenda. Fast forward to 2018. “Strangers shielding strangers from a hail of gunfire on the Las Vegas Strip.” “A terrible crisis of opioid and drug addiction.” That year, Trump depicted a stark image of American struggles and perseverance, attributing illegal immigration as a fundamental issue facing the nation. “Tonight, I am urging Congress to close the deadly loopholes that allow MS-13 and other criminal gangs to infiltrate our country.” “Get the job done.” Looking ahead to 2019. During this year, the House changed hands to Democratic control with a fresh cohort of congresswomen eager to initiate action. Congress had just emerged from the longest government shutdown in history, and the special counsel inquiry into the 2016 election was concluding. “We must move beyond the politics of revenge, resistance, and retribution, and embrace the limitless potential of cooperation, compromise, and the common good.” Trump did not offer any compromise, and it was evident that some Democrats were not receptive. “Absurd partisan investigations.” However, one moment did break the tension. “No one has benefited more from our booming economy than women, who now hold 58 percent of the newly created jobs.” The wave of Democratic applause erupted in a show of pride. “You weren’t meant to do that. Thank you very much.” And onto 2020. Trump addressed a House that had just impeached him for the first time. His deteriorating relationship with Democrats was apparent as he avoided shaking hands with the Speaker. Trump utilized the address to launch his re-election campaign. “Jobs are thriving. Incomes are rising, poverty is declining, crime is decreasing, and we are never going back.” “The best is still to come. Thank you.” When it concluded, Speaker Pelosi’s message was unmistakable. A year later, Trump supporters would breach the Capitol, threatening violence against Pelosi and Vice President Pence while they certified Joe Biden’s electoral win.
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