US Congressman: Mr. Trump “should not leave anyone behind”
Many said Mr Trump's speech failed to provide a direction for the future, but others said it gave confidence in America.
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US President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address to both houses of Congress on the evening of January 30. Photo:AFP. |
US President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address on the evening of January 30. His speech came amid growing doubts among many Americans about whether he is truly fit for the presidency.
According to a survey conducted by Gallup, Mr. Trump received a 38% approval rating in 2017, the lowest level for any US president in the first year of his term in the history of the survey company conducting statistics.
President Trump praised the "economic achievements, incredible progress and extraordinary success of the past year" that have helped people enter the best moment to live the American dream.
The White House boss mentioned a series of domestic and foreign policy issues, from building infrastructure, reforming prison sentences, proposing a new immigration plan, a path to citizenship for "Dreamers", foreigners who were illegally brought to the US as children, to efforts to handle the North Korean crisis.
While President Trump has focused on highlighting his administration's economic achievements, Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who comes from one of America's most prominent political families, said they were not meaningful and expressed opposing views on Trump's immigration goals.CNBCreport
According to Mr. Kennedy, the policies President Trump pursues have not really helped American workers overcome difficulties.
"We may see an economy that has helped stocks soar, investors' portfolios expand and corporate profits rise, but has yet to deliver the rewards that those who work for it deserve," Kennedy said, adding that the "strongest, richest and greatest nation in the world should not leave anyone behind."
Sharing the same view as Rep. Kennedy, Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts said that despite President Trump's constant talk of putting "America first," his agenda simply won't work if it doesn't "lift up all Americans from all walks of life."
New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan said President Trump's State of the Union address touched on a range of issues but "failed to provide concrete action."
Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey meanwhile criticized the White House owner's proposal to expand the US nuclear arsenal as "reckless, destabilizing and increasing the risk of nuclear war".
“In the 21st century, our national security should be secured through investment in education, not destruction,” Markey stressed.
However, besides the dissenting opinions, according to a quick survey byCNNIn a recent poll, 48% of those who watched President Trump's speech said they felt "very positive" about the messages the White House boss delivered, 22% said they felt "some promise" and only 29% felt "negative."
62% of survey respondents said they felt the policies President Trump listed in his speech would move the country in the right direction.
"Tonight, I owe Donald Trump an apology. Tonight, I was deeply moved and inspired. Tonight, I regained my faith and hope in America," political consultant Frank Luntz wrote on Twitter.
Political commentator fromCNNSteve Cortes thanks President Trump because "the era of economic failure is over."
On Twitter, radio host Ben Ferguson said he loved President Trump's "positive spirit." "It's clear his goal tonight was to bring people together."
