Trump makes case for successful first year

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump offered an optimistic reflection of his first year in office during Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, declaring the American dream is alive and well. Joined by a majority of Congress, his Cabinet, Supreme Court justices, and distinguished guests, the president dropped his usual negative tone in favor of an uplifting, all-American message: “We have gone forward with a clear vision and a righteous mission: to make America great again for all Americans.” Trump touted the passage of the Republican tax plan and recounted stories of American bravery, pointing out members of the military and law enforcement sitting in the gallery. Trump also took credit for positive economic numbers, including the stock market hitting record numbers and the unemployment rate falling to a 17-year low since he assumed office. “There has never been a better time to start living the American dream,” he told lawmakers. But the president’s first year highlights also included an unsuccessful partisan attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and little progress on core campaign promises like building a wall at the U.S. southern border and securing significant new infrastructure projects. Trump said he’s extending an open hand to lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to find common ground on both immigration and infrastructure. Rep. Joe Kennedy of Massachusetts delivered the formal Democratic response, using the national stage to criticize the president’s policies and often-harsh tone. “Bullies may land a punch. They might leave a mark,” Kennedy said, “but they have never, not once, in the history of our United States, managed to match the strength and spirit of a people united in defense of their future.” An estimated audience of nearly 40 million people tuned in to the address. It was the third longest State of the Union speech ever delivered—only surpassed by two addresses by President Bill Clinton.