[White House] – Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and my fellow citizens:

Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results. Jobs are booming, incomes are soaring, poverty is plummeting, crime is falling, confidence is surging, and our country is thriving and highly respected again! America’s enemies are on the run, America’s fortunes are on the rise, and America’s future is blazing bright.

The years of economic decay are over. The days of our country being used, taken advantage of, and even scorned by other nations are long behind us. Gone too are the broken promises, jobless recoveries, tired platitudes, and constant excuses for the depletion of American wealth, power, and prestige.

In just 3 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!

I am thrilled to report to you tonight that our economy is the best it has ever been. Our military is completely rebuilt, with its power being unmatched anywhere in the world — and it is not even close. Our borders are secure. Our families are flourishing. Our values are renewed. Our pride is restored. And for all these reasons, I say to the people of our great country, and to the Members of Congress before me: The State of our Union is stronger than ever before!

The vision I will lay out this evening demonstrates how we are building the world’s most prosperous and inclusive society — one where every citizen can join in America’s unparalleled success, and where every community can take part in America’s extraordinary rise.

From the instant I took office, I moved rapidly to revive the United States economy — slashing a record number of job-killing regulations, enacting historic and record-setting tax cuts, and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements. Our agenda is relentlessly pro-worker, pro-family, pro-growth, and, most of all, pro-American. We are advancing with unbridled optimism and lifting high our citizens of every race, color, religion, and creed.

Since my election, we have created 7 million new jobs — 5 million more than Government experts projected during the previous administration.

The unemployment rate is the lowest in over half a century.

Incredibly, the average unemployment rate under my Administration is lower than any administration in the history of our country. If we had not reversed the failed economic policies of the previous administration, the world would not now be witness to America’s great economic success.

The unemployment rates for African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Asian-Americans have reached the lowest levels in history. African-American youth unemployment has reached an all-time low.

African-American poverty has declined to the lowest rate ever recorded.

The unemployment rate for women reached the lowest level in almost 70 years — and last year, women filled 72 percent of all new jobs added.

The veterans’ unemployment rate dropped to a record low.

The unemployment rate for disabled Americans has reached an all-time low.

Workers without a high school diploma have achieved the lowest unemployment rate recorded in United States history.

A record number of young Americans are now employed.

Under the last administration, more than 10 million people were added to the food stamp rolls. Under my Administration, 7 million Americans have come off of food stamps, and 10 million people have been lifted off of welfare.

In 8 years under the last administration, over 300,000 working-age people dropped out of the workforce. In just 3 years of my Administration, 3.5 million working-age people have joined the workforce.

Since my election, the net worth of the bottom half of wage-earners has increased by 47 percent — 3 times faster than the increase for the top 1 percent. After decades of flat and falling incomes, wages are rising fast — and, wonderfully, they are rising fastest for low-income workers, who have seen a 16 percent pay-increase since my election. This is a blue collar boom.

Real median household income is now at the highest level ever recorded!

Since my election, United States stock markets have soared 70 percent, adding more than $12 trillion to our Nation’s wealth, transcending anything anyone believed was possible — this, as other countries are not doing well. Consumer confidence has reached amazing new heights.

All of those millions of people with 401(k)s and pensions are doing far better than they have ever done before with increases of 60, 70, 80, 90, and even 100 percent.

Jobs and investment are pouring into 9,000 previously-neglected neighborhoods thanks to Opportunity Zones, a plan spearheaded by Senator Tim Scott as part of our great Republican tax cuts. In other words, wealthy people and companies are pouring money into poor neighborhoods or areas that have not seen investment in many decades, creating jobs, energy, and excitement. This is the first time that these deserving communities have seen anything like this. It is all working!

Opportunity Zones are helping Americans like Army Veteran Tony Rankins from Cincinnati, Ohio. After struggling with drug addiction, Tony lost his job, his house, and his family — he was homeless. But then Tony found a construction company that invests in Opportunity Zones. He is now a top tradesman, drug-free, reunited with his family, and he is here tonight. Tony: Keep up the great work.

Our roaring economy has, for the first time ever, given many former prisoners the ability to get a great job and a fresh start. This second chance at life is made possible because we passed landmark Criminal Justice Reform into law. Everybody said that Criminal Justice Reform could not be done, but I got it done, and the people in this room got it done.

Thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign, the United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world, by far. With the tremendous progress we have made over the past 3 years, America is now energy independent, and energy jobs, like so many elements of our country, are at a record high. We are doing numbers that no one would have thought possible just 3 years ago.

Likewise, we are restoring our Nation’s manufacturing might, even though predictions were that this could never be done. After losing 60,000 factories under the previous two administrations, America has now gained 12,000 new factories under my Administration with thousands upon thousands of plants and factories being planned or built. We have created over half a million new manufacturing jobs. Companies are not leaving; they are coming back. Everybody wants to be where the action is, and the United States of America is, indeed, where the action is.

One of the single biggest promises I made to the American people was to replace the disastrous NAFTA trade deal. In fact, unfair trade is perhaps the single biggest reason that I decided to run for President. Following NAFTA’s adoption, our Nation lost one in four manufacturing jobs. 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 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law.

The USMCA will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs, and massively boost exports for our farmers, ranchers, and factory workers. It will also bring trade with Mexico and Canada to a much higher degree, but also to a much greater level of fairness and reciprocity. This is the first major trade deal in many years to earn the strong backing of America’s labor unions.

I also promised our citizens that I would impose tariffs to confront China’s massive theft of American jobs. Our strategy worked. Days ago, we signed the groundbreaking new agreement with China that will defend our workers, protect our intellectual property, bring billions of dollars into our treasury, and open vast new markets for products made and grown right here in the United States of America. For decades, China has taken advantage of the United States, now we have changed that but, at the same time, we have perhaps the best relationship we have ever had with China, including with President Xi. They respect what we have done because, quite frankly, they could never believe what they were able to get away with year after year, decade after decade, without someone in our country stepping up and saying: Enough. Now, we want to rebuild our country, and that is what we are doing.

As we restore American leadership throughout the world, we are once again standing up for freedom in our hemisphere. That is why my Administration reversed the failing policies of the previous administration on Cuba. We are supporting the hopes of Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to restore democracy. The United States is leading a 59-nation diplomatic coalition against the socialist dictator of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, a tyrant who brutalizes his people. But Maduro’s grip of tyranny will be smashed and broken. Here this evening is a man who carries with him the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of all Venezuelans. Joining us in the gallery is the true and legitimate President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó. Mr. President, please take this message back to your homeland. All Americans are united with the Venezuelan people in their righteous struggle for freedom! Socialism destroys nations. But always remember, freedom unifies the soul.

To safeguard American Liberty, we have invested a record-breaking $2.2 trillion in the United States Military. We have purchased the finest planes, missiles, rockets, ships, and every other form of military equipment — all made in the United States of America. We are also finally getting our allies to help pay their fair share. I have raised contributions from the other NATO members by more than $400 billion, and the number of allies meeting their minimum obligations has more than doubled.

And just weeks ago, for the first time since President Truman established the Air Force more than 70 years earlier, we created a new branch of the United States Armed Forces, the Space Force.

In the gallery tonight, we have one of the Space Force’s youngest potential recruits: 13-year-old Iain Lanphier, an eighth grader from Arizona. Iain has always dreamed of going to space. He was first in his class and among the youngest at an aviation academy. He aspires to go to the Air Force Academy, and then, he has his eye on the Space Force. As Iain says, “most people look up at space, I want to look down on the world.”

Sitting beside Iain tonight is his great hero. Charles McGee was born in Cleveland, Ohio, one century ago. Charles is one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen — the first black fighter pilots — and he also happens to be Iain’s great-grandfather. After more than 130 combat missions in World War II, he came back to a country still struggling for Civil Rights and went on to serve America in Korea and Vietnam. On December 7th, Charles celebrated his 100th birthday. A few weeks ago, I signed a bill promoting Charles McGee to Brigadier General. And earlier today, I pinned the stars on his shoulders in the Oval Office. General McGee: Our Nation salutes you.

From the pilgrims to our Founders, from the soldiers at Valley Forge to the marchers at Selma, and from President Lincoln to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Americans have always rejected limits on our children’s future.

Members of Congress, we must never forget that the only victories that matter in Washington are victories that deliver for the American people. The people are the heart of our country, their dreams are the soul of our country, and their love is what powers and sustains our country. We must always remember that our job is to put America first!

The next step forward in building an inclusive society is making sure that every young American gets a great education and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Yet, for too long, countless American children have been trapped in failing government schools. To rescue these students, 18 States have created school choice in the form of Opportunity Scholarships. The programs are so popular, that tens of thousands of students remain on waiting lists. One of those students is Janiyah Davis, a fourth grader from Philadelphia. Janiyah’s mom Stephanie is a single parent. She would do anything to give her daughter a better future. But last year, that future was put further out of reach when Pennsylvania’s Governor vetoed legislation to expand school choice for 50,000 children.

Janiyah and Stephanie are in the gallery this evening. But there is more to their story. Janiyah, I am pleased to inform you that your long wait is over. I can proudly announce tonight that an Opportunity Scholarship has become available, it is going to you, and you will soon be heading to the school of your choice!

Now, I call on the Congress to give 1 million American children the same opportunity Janiyah has just received. Pass the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act — because no parent should be forced to send their child to a failing government school.

Every young person should have a safe and secure environment in which to learn and grow. For this reason, our magnificent First Lady has launched the “Be Best” initiative — to advance a safe, healthy, supportive, and drug-free life for the next generation, online, in school, and in our communities. Thank you, Melania, for your extraordinary love and profound care for America’s children.

My Administration is determined to give our citizens the opportunities they need regardless of age or background. Through our Pledge to American Workers, over 400 companies will also provide new jobs and education opportunities to almost 15 million Americans.

My Budget also contains an exciting vision for our Nation’s high schools. Tonight, I ask the Congress to support our students and back my plan to offer vocational and technical education in every single high school in America.

To expand equal opportunity, I am also proud that we achieved record and permanent funding for our Nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

A good life for American families also requires the most affordable, innovative, and high-quality healthcare system on Earth. Before I took office, health insurance premiums had more than doubled in just 5 years. I moved quickly to provide affordable alternatives. Our new plans are up to 60 percent less expensive. I have also made an ironclad pledge to American families: We will always protect patients with pre-existing conditions — that is a guarantee. And we will always protect your Medicare and your Social Security.

The American patient should never be blindsided by medical bills. That is why I signed an Executive Order requiring price transparency. Many experts believe that transparency, which will go into full effect at the beginning of next year, will be even bigger than healthcare reform. It will save families massive amounts of money for substantially better care.

But as we work to improve Americans’ healthcare, there are those who want to take away your healthcare, take away your doctor, and abolish private insurance entirely. One hundred thirty-two lawmakers in this room have endorsed legislation to impose a socialist takeover of our healthcare system, wiping out the private health insurance plans of 180 million Americans. To those watching at home tonight, I want you to know: We will never let socialism destroy American healthcare!

Over 130 legislators in this chamber have endorsed legislation that would bankrupt our Nation by providing free taxpayer-funded healthcare to millions of illegal aliens, forcing taxpayers to subsidize free care for anyone in the world who unlawfully crosses our borders. These proposals would raid the Medicare benefits our seniors depend on, while acting as a powerful lure for illegal immigration. This is what is happening in California and other States — their systems are totally out of control, costing taxpayers vast and unaffordable amounts of money. If forcing American taxpayers to provide unlimited free healthcare to illegal aliens sounds fair to you, then stand with the radical left. But if you believe that we should defend American patients and American seniors, then stand with me and pass legislation to prohibit free Government healthcare for illegal aliens!

This will be a tremendous boon to our already very-strongly guarded southern border where, as we speak, a long, tall, and very powerful wall is being built. We have now completed over 100 miles and will have over 500 miles fully completed by early next year.

My Administration is also taking on the big pharmaceutical companies. We have approved a record number of affordable generic drugs, and medicines are being approved by the FDA at a faster clip than ever before. I was pleased to announce last year that, for the first time in 51 years, the cost of prescription drugs actually went down.

And working together, the Congress can reduce drug prices substantially from current levels. I have been speaking to Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and others in the Congress in order to get something on drug pricing done, and done properly. I am calling for bipartisan legislation that achieves the goal of dramatically lowering prescription drug prices. Get a bill to my desk, and I will sign it into law without delay.

With unyielding commitment, we are curbing the opioid epidemic — drug overdose deaths declined for the first time in nearly 30 years. Among the States hardest hit, Ohio is down 22 percent, Pennsylvania is down 18 percent, Wisconsin is down 10 percent — and we will not quit until we have beaten the opioid epidemic once and for all.

Protecting Americans’ health also means fighting infectious diseases. We are coordinating with the Chinese government and working closely together on the Coronavirus outbreak in China. My Administration will take all necessary steps to safeguard our citizens from this threat.

We have launched ambitious new initiatives to substantially improve care for Americans with kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and those struggling with mental health challenges. And because the Congress funded my request, we are pursuing new cures for childhood cancer, and we will eradicate the AIDS epidemic in America by the end of the decade.

Almost every American family knows the pain when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness. Here tonight is a special man, someone beloved by millions of Americans who just received a Stage 4 advanced cancer diagnosis. This is not good news, but what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet. Rush Limbaugh: Thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to our country.

Rush, in recognition of all that you have done for our Nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I will now ask the First Lady of the United States to please stand and present you with the honor. Rush, Kathryn, congratulations!

As we pray for all who are sick, we know that America is constantly achieving new medical breakthroughs. In 2017, doctors at St. Luke’s hospital in Kansas City delivered one of the earliest premature babies ever to survive. Born at just 21 weeks and 6 days, and weighing less than a pound, Ellie Schneider was born a fighter. Through the skill of her doctors — and the prayers of her parents — little Ellie kept on winning the battle for life. Today, Ellie is a strong, healthy 2-year-old girl sitting with her amazing mother Robin in the gallery. Ellie and Robin: We are so glad you are here.

Ellie reminds us that every child is a miracle of life. Thanks to modern medical wonders, 50 percent of very premature babies delivered at the hospital where Ellie was born now survive. Our goal should be to ensure that every baby has the best chance to thrive and grow just like Ellie. That is why I am asking the Congress to provide an additional $50 million to fund neo-natal research for America’s youngest patients. That is also why I am calling upon the Members of Congress here tonight to pass legislation finally banning the late-term abortion of babies.

Whether we are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, surely we must all agree that every human life is a sacred gift from God!

As we support America’s moms and dads, I was recently proud to sign the law providing new parents in the Federal workforce paid family leave, serving as a model for the rest of the country. Now, I call on the Congress to pass the bipartisan Advancing Support for Working Families Act, extending family leave to mothers and fathers all across the Nation.

Forty million American families have an average $2,200 extra thanks to our child tax credit. I have also overseen historic funding increases for high-quality child care, enabling 17 States to serve more children, many of which have reduced or eliminated their waitlists altogether. And I sent the Congress a plan with a vision to further expand access to high-quality childcare and urge you to act immediately.

To protect the environment, days ago, I announced that the United States will join the One Trillion Trees Initiative, an ambitious effort to bring together Government and the private sector to plant new trees in America and around the world.

We must also rebuild America’s infrastructure. I ask you to pass Senator Barrasso’s highway bill — to invest in new roads, bridges, and tunnels across our land.

I am also committed to ensuring that every citizen can have access to high-speed internet, including rural America.

A better tomorrow for all Americans also requires us to keep America safe. That means supporting the men and women of law enforcement at every level, including our Nation’s heroic ICE officers.

Last year, our brave ICE officers arrested more than 120,000 criminal aliens charged with nearly 10,000 burglaries, 5,000 sexual assaults, 45,000 violent assaults, and 2,000 murders.

Tragically, there are many cities in America where radical politicians have chosen to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegal aliens. In Sanctuary Cities, local officials order police to release dangerous criminal aliens to prey upon the public, instead of handing them over to ICE to be safely removed.

Just 29 days ago, a criminal alien freed by the Sanctuary City of New York was charged with the brutal rape and murder of a 92-year-old woman. The killer had been previously arrested for assault, but under New York’s sanctuary policies, he was set free. If the city had honored ICE’s detainer request, his victim would be alive today.

The State of California passed an outrageous law declaring their whole State to be a sanctuary for criminal illegal immigrants — with catastrophic results.

Here is just one tragic example. In December 2018, California police detained an illegal alien with five prior arrests, including convictions for robbery and assault. But as required by California’s Sanctuary Law, local authorities released him.

Days later, the criminal alien went on a gruesome spree of deadly violence. He viciously shot one man going about his daily work; he approached a woman sitting in her car and shot her in the arm and the chest. He walked into a convenience store and wildly fired his weapon. He hijacked a truck and smashed into vehicles, critically injuring innocent victims. One of the victims of his bloody rampage was a 51-year-old American named Rocky Jones. Rocky was at a gas station when this vile criminal fired eight bullets at him from close range, murdering him in cold blood. Rocky left behind a devoted family, including his brothers who loved him more than anything. One of his grieving brothers is here with us tonight. Jody, would you please stand? Jody, our hearts weep for your loss — and we will not rest until you have justice.

Senator Thom Tillis has introduced legislation to allow Americans like Jody to sue Sanctuary Cities and States when a loved one is hurt or killed as a result of these deadly policies. I ask the Congress to pass the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act immediately. The United States of America should be a sanctuary for law-abiding Americans — not criminal aliens!

In the last 3 years, ICE has arrested over 5,000 wicked human traffickers — and I have signed 9 pieces of legislation to stamp out the menace of human trafficking, domestically and around the globe.

My Administration has undertaken an unprecedented effort to secure the southern border of the United States.

Before I came into office, if you showed up illegally on our southern border and were arrested, you were simply released and allowed into our country, never to be seen again. My Administration has ended Catch-and-Release. If you come illegally, you will now be promptly removed. We entered into historic cooperation agreements with the Governments of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. As a result of our unprecedented efforts, illegal crossings are down 75 percent since May — dropping 8 straight months in a row. And as the wall goes up, drug seizures rise, and border crossings go down.

Last year, I traveled to the border in Texas and met Chief Patrol Agent Raul Ortiz. Over the last 24 months, Agent Ortiz and his team have seized more than 200,000 pounds of poisonous narcotics, arrested more than 3,000 human smugglers, and rescued more than 2,000 migrants. Days ago, Agent Ortiz was promoted to Deputy Chief of Border Patrol — and he joins us tonight. Chief Ortiz: Please stand — a grateful Nation thanks you and all the heroes of Border Patrol.

To build on these historic gains, we are working on legislation to replace our outdated and randomized immigration system with one based on merit, welcoming those who follow the rules, contribute to our economy, support themselves financially, and uphold our values.

With every action, my Administration is restoring the rule of law and re-asserting the culture of American freedom. Working with Senate Majority Leader McConnell and his colleagues in the Senate, we have confirmed a record number of 187 new Federal judges to uphold our Constitution as written. This includes two brilliant new Supreme Court Justices, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh.

My Administration is also defending religious liberty, and that includes the Constitutional right to pray in public schools. In America, we do not punish prayer. We do not tear down crosses. We do not ban symbols of faith. We do not muzzle preachers and pastors. In America, we celebrate faith. We cherish religion. We lift our voices in prayer, and we raise our sights to the Glory of God!

Just as we believe in the First Amendment, we also believe in another Constitutional right that is under siege all across our country. So long as I am President I will always protect your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

In reaffirming our heritage as a free Nation, we must remember that America has always been a frontier nation. Now we must embrace the next frontier, America’s manifest destiny in the stars. I am asking the Congress to fully fund the Artemis program to ensure that the next man and the first woman on the moon will be American astronauts — using this as a launching pad to ensure that America is the first nation to plant its flag on Mars.

My Administration is also strongly defending our national security and combating radical Islamic terrorism. Last week, I announced a groundbreaking plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Recognizing that all past attempts have failed, we must be determined and creative in order to stabilize the region and give millions of young people the change to realize a better future.

Three years ago, the barbarians of ISIS held over 20,000 square miles of territory in Iraq and Syria. Today, the ISIS territorial caliphate has been 100 percent destroyed, and the founder and leader of ISIS — the bloodthirsty killer Al‑Baghdadi — is dead!

We are joined this evening by Carl and Marsha Mueller. After graduating from college, their beautiful daughter Kayla became a humanitarian aid worker. Kayla once wrote, “Some people find God in church. Some people find God in nature. Some people find God in love; I find God in suffering. I’ve known for some time what my life’s work is, using my hands as tools to relieve suffering.” In 2013, while caring for suffering civilians in Syria, Kayla was kidnapped, tortured, and enslaved by ISIS, and kept as a prisoner of Al-Baghdadi himself. After more than 500 horrifying days of captivity, Al-Baghdadi murdered young Kayla. She was just 26 years old.

On the night that United States Special Forces Operators ended Al‑Baghdadi’s miserable life, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, received a call in the Situation Room. He was told that the brave men of the elite Special Forces team, that so perfectly carried out the operation, had given their mission a name — “Task Force 8-14.” It was a reference to a special day: August 14th — Kayla’s birthday. Carl and Marsha, America’s warriors never forgot Kayla — and neither will we.

Every day, America’s men and women in uniform demonstrate the infinite depths of love that dwells in the human heart.

One of these American heroes was Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Hake. On his second deployment to Iraq in 2008, Sergeant Hake wrote a letter to his 1-year-old son, Gage: “I will be with you again,” he wrote to Gage. “I will teach you to ride your first bike, build your first sand box, watch you play sports and see you have kids also. I love you son, take care of your mother. I am always with you. Dad.” On Easter Sunday of 2008, Chris was out on patrol in Baghdad when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. That night, he made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Sergeant Hake now rests in eternal glory in Arlington, and his wife Kelli is in the gallery tonight, joined by their son, who is now 13 years old. To Kelli and Gage: Chris will live in our hearts forever.

The terrorist responsible for killing Sergeant Hake was Qasem Soleimani, who provided the deadly roadside bomb that took Chris’s life. Soleimani was the Iranian Regime’s most ruthless butcher, a monster who murdered or wounded thousands of American service members in Iraq. As the world’s top terrorist, Soleimani orchestrated the deaths of countless men, women, and children. He directed the December assault on United States Forces in Iraq, and was actively planning new attacks. That is why, last month, at my direction, the United States Military executed a flawless precision strike that killed Soleimani and terminated his evil reign of terror forever.

Our message to the terrorists is clear: You will never escape American justice. If you attack our citizens, you forfeit your life!

In recent months, we have seen proud Iranians raise their voices against their oppressive rulers. The Iranian regime must abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons, stop spreading terror, death, and destruction, and start working for the good of its own people. Because of our powerful sanctions, the Iranian economy is doing very poorly. We can help them make it very good in a short period of time, but perhaps they are too proud or too foolish to ask for that help. We are here. Let’s see which road they choose. It is totally up to them.

As we defend American lives, we are working to end America’s wars in the Middle East.

In Afghanistan, the determination and valor of our warfighters has allowed us to make tremendous progress, and peace talks are underway. I am not looking to kill hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan, many of them innocent. It is also not our function to serve other nations as a law enforcement agency. These are warfighters, the best in the world, and they either want to fight to win or not fight at all. We are working to finally end America’s longest war and bring our troops back home!

War places a heavy burden on our Nation’s extraordinary military families, especially spouses like Amy Williams from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and her 2 children — 6-year-old Elliana and 3-year-old Rowan. Amy works full time, and volunteers countless hours helping other military families. For the past 7 months, she has done it all while her husband, Sergeant First Class Townsend Williams, is in Afghanistan on his fourth deployment to the Middle East. Amy’s kids have not seen their father’s face in many months. Amy, your family’s sacrifice makes it possible for all of our families to live in safety and peace — we thank you.

As the world bears witness tonight, America is a land of heroes. This is the place where greatness is born, where destinies are forged, and where legends come to life. This is the home of Thomas Edison and Teddy Roosevelt, of many great Generals, including Washington, Pershing, Patton, and MacArthur. This is the home of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, and so many more. This is the country where children learn names like Wyatt Earp, Davy Crockett, and Annie Oakley. This is the place where the pilgrims landed at Plymouth and where Texas patriots made their last stand at the Alamo.

The American Nation was carved out of the vast frontier by the toughest, strongest, fiercest, and most determined men and women ever to walk the face of the Earth. Our ancestors braved the unknown; tamed the wilderness; settled the Wild West; lifted millions from poverty, disease, and hunger; vanquished tyranny and fascism; ushered the world to new heights of science and medicine; laid down the railroads, dug out canals, raised up the skyscrapers — and, ladies and gentlemen, our ancestors built the most exceptional Republic ever to exist in all of human history. And we are making it greater than ever before!

This is our glorious and magnificent inheritance.

We are Americans. We are the pioneers. We are the pathfinders. We settled the new world, we built the modern world, and we changed history forever by embracing the eternal truth that everyone is made equal by the hand of Almighty God.

America is the place where anything can happen! America is the place where anyone can rise. And here, on this land, on this soil, on this continent, the most incredible dreams come true!

This Nation is our canvas, and this country is our masterpiece. We look at tomorrow and see unlimited frontiers just waiting to be explored. Our brightest discoveries are not yet known. Our most thrilling stories are not yet told. Our grandest journeys are not yet made. The American Age, the American Epic, the American Adventure, has only just begun!

Our spirit is still young; the sun is still rising; God’s grace is still shining; and my fellow Americans, the best is yet to come!

Thank you. God Bless You. God Bless America.

[Transcript End]

President Trump will deliver his third State of the Union address tonight to a joint session of Congress.  The anticipated start time is 9:00pm Eastern.  Livestream links below:

UPDATE: Video Added

Fox News Livestream – Fox Business Livestream – Alternate Livestream

.

.

.

Earlier today the White House announced special attendees for tonight’s State of the Union address as guests of the President.  The annual SoU address will take place at 9:10pm ET tonight and will be carried live on all networks.

From brave military families to hardworking local leaders, this year’s guests come from many walks of life. Each one represents the very best of America and people the world over.

♦ Stephanie and Janiyah Davis from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Janiyah is a 4th grade student from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She loves art and math, but for too long she has been assigned to low-performing schools. Her mom, Stephanie, is a hardworking single mother who tried to apply for a tax credit scholarship. But due to Pennsylvania’s governor recently vetoing school choice legislation, Janiyah remained among the estimated 50,000 students on a waitlist.

♦ Kelli and Gage Hake from Stillwater, Oklahoma: Kelli Hake was at home with her 1-year-old son, Gage, when she learned that her husband, Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Hake, had been killed while serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. While on patrol, Staff Sergeant Hake’s fighting vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb supplied by Iranian terrorist leader Qasem Soleimani. Kelli and Gage directly suffered from Soleimani’s campaign to kill and maim U.S. service members. Last month, President Trump ordered the killing of Soleimani while he was once again trying to initiate attacks on American service members.

♦ Jody Jones from Farmersville, California: On December 17, 2018, Jody’s brother, Rocky Jones, was shot and killed by an illegal immigrant in Tulare County, California. The criminal alien who committed this brutal murder had previously been arrested for violent crimes and had twice been deported. The criminal alien was arrested in December 2018 for the sixth time, but because of California’s sanctuary state policy, he was released from jail. A few days later, he went on a 24-hour “reign of terror,” injuring several people, robbing a gas station, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase, and killing 51-year old Rocky, who was known as a kind and gentle soul. Rocky leaves behind a precious daughter and 4 brothers.

♦ Paul Morrow from Montgomery, Alabama: Paul is a United States Army veteran. After leaving the military, Morrow started a successful contracting business and today is building a new concrete plant in an Opportunity Zone in Montgomery, Alabama.

This new plant will help support several brand new F-35 jets that are stationed in the region.

♦ Deputy Chief Raul Ortiz from Del Rio, Texas: Deputy Chief Ortiz has helped protect America’s homeland for nearly three decades. Prior to joining U.S. Border Patrol in 1991, Ortiz served in the United States Army. In 2019, he became Chief Patrol Agent of the Del Rio Sector, which made him responsible for all Border Patrol operations in 41 Texas counties—including 210 miles of border between the United States and Mexico. Recently, Ortiz was promoted to Deputy Chief of U.S. Border Patrol, the second in command for more than 20,000 agents and professional staff. His awards include the Superior Civilian Service Medal, among the Department of Defense’s highest civilian honors.

♦ Tony Rankins from Cincinnati, Ohio: After serving in the United States Army in Afghanistan, Tony Rankins suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and became addicted to drugs. He lost his job and his family, served several prison sentences, and ended up living out of his car. A company called “R Investments” helped train Tony in carpentry, painting, brick work, and other construction trades. Today, he works in an Opportunity Zone in Cincinnati, Ohio, and his new job has helped him overcome drug addiction and reunite with his family.

♦ Robin and Ellie Schneider from Kansas City, Missouri: Ellie was born at just 21 weeks and six days. She is one of the youngest babies to survive in the United States. With the help of an incredible medical team—and the prayers of her parents and their community—Ellie kept beating the odds, exceeding milestones, and fighting for life. Today, Ellie is a happy, healthy 2-year-old girl who brings endless joy to her mother, Robin, and her entire family.

♦ Ivan Simonovis from Caracas, Venezuela: Ivan was the Chief of Police in Venezuela’s capital city and esteemed as the nation’s top cop. He was imprisoned in 2004 for protecting protesters and was held in captivity for nearly 15 years by the Chavez and Maduro regimes. He escaped from Venezuela in 2019 and was brought to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where immigration agents welcomed him to the United States.  (link)

The House Managers and President Trump defense team have presented their case and defense of impeachment.  Closing arguments are complete.  Yesterday and today the Senate has scheduled regular quorum and senator speeches continue.

This phase is pure partisan politics. Each of the remaining 100 senators is allowed ten minutes for remarks today prior to the impeachment vote at 4:00pm Wednesday.

• Tuesday: 9:30am full day of floor speeches.  Each Senator limited to ten minutes.
• Wednesday: 4:00pm – A final vote on the articles of impeachment.

CSPAN Livestream Link – Alternate Livestream 1 – Alternate Livestream 2

.

Highlighting the historic accomplishment of criminal justice reform during his first term in office, the campaign for President Donald J. Trump presents the story of Alice Johnson:

President Trump accomplished historic criminal justice reform in just his first term in office. Increasing job training for inmates, shortened sentences, and giving second chances to those that truly deserve it.

In response to an escalating spread of the Coronavirus President Trump initiated a suspension of entry visa’s for persons traveling from China:  “The entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the People’s Republic of China, excluding the Special Autonomous Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States is hereby suspended and limited” [link].

The travel restrictions went into effect at 5:00pm today.  Essentially President Trump is putting the health of Americans first. However, in an effort to politicize the Coronavirus, presidential candidate Joe Biden says travel entry restrictions are “hysteria, xenophobia and fearmongering”:

[…] “We have, right now, a crisis with the coronavirus,” Biden said in Iowa Friday. “This is no time for Donald Trump’s record of hysteria and xenophobia – hysterical xenophobia – and fearmongering to lead the way instead of science.”  (more)

…And just like that Democrats become the party of pro-virus.

You know the professional open-border democrats have lost their minds when they start defending the rights of a potentially deadly virus to enter the U.S.A.  Nuts.  Great job Joe.

[Executive Order]

Sec. 3. Implementation and Enforcement.
(a) The Secretary of State shall implement this proclamation as it applies to visas pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may establish. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall implement this proclamation as it applies to the entry of aliens pursuant to such procedures as the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may establish.

(b) Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that any alien subject to this proclamation does not board an aircraft traveling to the United States.

(c) The Secretary of Homeland Security may establish standards and procedures to ensure the application and implementation of this proclamation at United States seaports and in between all ports of entry.

(d) An alien who circumvents the application of this proclamation through fraud, willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or illegal entry shall be a priority for removal by the Department of Homeland Security.

Sec. 4. Orderly Medical Screening and Quarantine.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all necessary and appropriate steps to regulate the travel of persons and aircraft to the United States to facilitate the orderly medical screening and, where appropriate, quarantine of persons who enter the United States and who may have been exposed to the virus. Such steps may include directing air carriers to restrict and regulate the boarding of such passengers on flights to the United States.

Sec. 5. Termination.
This proclamation shall remain in effect until terminated by the President. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, as circumstances warrant and no more than 15 days after the date of this order and every 15 days thereafter, recommend that the President continue, modify, or terminate this proclamation.

Sec. 6. Effective Date.
This proclamation is effective at 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on February 2, 2020.

[MORE]

Fox News broadcasts a pre-Superbowl interview with President Trump. Sean Hannity notes the Iowa Caucuses on Monday, SoU Speech Tuesday and 4:00pm senate vote on impeachment Wednesday, then asks if President Trump considered a delay in the State of the Union.   President Trump replies: “no… we’re going to talk about the achievements that we’ve made; nobody has made achievements that we’ve made.”  WATCH:

During a background call with media a Senior Administration Official gives a preview of what to expect and the five points President Trump will focus upon during his remarks to congress: (1) Blue collar boom; (2) Working families; (3) Healthcare affordability; (4) Immigration enforcement; (5) National security.

[Transcript] –  […] SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Hi, everyone. So, I’ll give you a topline, issues that will be talked about in the speech, a few key insights, talk about tone, and then take your questions.

I know there’s a lot going on, so I’ll try to be as brief as I can.

The topline: President Trump is looking forward to delivering his third State of the Union Address and his fourth address to a Joint Session of Congress next Tuesday.

The theme of the State of the Union is: “The Great American Comeback.” In his address, the President will lay out a vision of relentless optimism. He will encourage Congress to work with him to continue to building an inclusive economy where the least well-off are making some of the fastest gains and where people of every background are finding new opportunities.

The President will expand on the themes he developed in his Davos speech earlier this month and put forward an agenda focused squarely on the needs of working families, addressing issues that affect American’s quality of life and laying out solutions with can-do optimism in the face of unjustified pessimism we are hearing from some in Congress.

Now, I’ll tell you about five areas — you’ll certainly hear about five issues, five buckets, you might say.

♦So the one first is the blue-collar boom. The President will report on how the strong economy is lifting up Americans everywhere. The President will address the importance to the economy of the new trade agreement with China and the USMCA, explain the results we are seeing from Opportunity Zones, and celebrate America’s energy revolution that has led to energy independence.

♦Second large issue: supporting and promoting working families. The President will address a range of issues facing working families, from ensuring that every child can get a great education, to supporting America’s parents as they manage the demands of working jobs while raising children. He will call on Congress to empower parents with school choice.

The President will highlight his support for paid family leave and expanding access to affordable childcare. He will celebrate the administration’s workforce training initiative such as the Pledge to the American Worker.

♦Third, lowering the cost of healthcare for American families. The President will call on Congress to support the administration’s many efforts to lower the cost of healthcare while continuing to provide the highest standards of care in the world with access to the most innovative cures and medical breakthroughs. He will contrast his vision with radical proposals being floated on the left. Clearly, socialism is a rising force in the Democratic Party with very specific designs on our healthcare system. And the President will build on last year’s address and present a sharp difference.

The President will emphasize the importance of lowering the cost of prescription drugs. He will also address many of the concerns, everyday concerns, that families face confronting the healthcare system: surprise medical billing, transparency, price and quality information, accountability, and flexibility to choose the plan and the doctor that is right for them.

♦Fourth: a safe and legal immigration system. The President will talk about the incredible progress we have made in securing the southern border. He will also take head-on one of the most significant threats to public safety: sanctuary cities.

♦Fifth, and finally: protecting America’s national security. The President will update Congress on diplomatic and military efforts around the world.

So, a few key insights into what people will, I think — what the speech will communicate, what people can take away: Today’s middle class boom is also a blue-collar boom. America is strong once again. President Trump has kept his promises. President Trump is totally focused on creating a better future for working families.

And then, finally, I’d share that American strength and resolve is the best strategy for keeping Americans safe and protecting American interests. I think it’s fair to say the speech will celebrate American economic and military strength and present an optimistic vision of America’s future.

I can also preview now — traditionally, we have guests in the gallery, and there are two I can preview right now that are going to be there on Tuesday. I think on Monday we’ll be able preview some more.

So the first is a gentleman, Tony Rankins.

Q How do you spell it?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: R-A-N-K-I-N-S. Tony Rankins. I’ll give you a little — a brief bio on him. After serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, Tony Rankins suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and became addicted to drugs. He lost his job and his family, served several prison sentences, and ended up living out of his car. A company called Our Investments helped train Tony in carpentry, painting, brick work, and other construction trades. Today he lives and works in an Opportunity Zone in Cincinnati, Ohio — an Opportunity Zone which made our investments possible in Cincinnati, Ohio. And his new job has helped him overcome drug addiction and reunite with his family.

Second guest: Deputy Chief Raul Ortiz has helped protect America’s homeland security for nearly three decades.

Q Can you just give us the spelling on —

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Sure thing. Sure. Ortiz — last name: O-R-T-I-Z. Raul: R-A-U-L.

Prior to joining U.S. Border Patrol, Ortiz served in the United States Army. In 1991, he joined the U.S. Border Patrol and served as an agent in the San Diego and Del Rio area.

In 2013, Ortiz was appointed as Deputy Chief Patrol Agent at Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley sector. In 2019, he became chief patrol agent of the Del Rio sector, which made him responsible for all Border Patrol operations in 41 Texas counties — more than 48,000 square miles of operational area and 210 miles of border between the U.S. and Mexico.

He has performed all his duties with distinction and excellence. Ortiz’s awards include two meritorious honor awards from the Department of State, the Certificate of Achievement from the state of Texas, and the Superior Civilian Service Medal, which is the Department of Defense’s third-highest civilian honor.

And actually, this very week, Ortiz was promoted to Deputy Chief of U.S. Border Patrol, the second in command of 22,000 Border Patrol agents and professional staff.

The Acting Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner Mark Morgan called Deputy Chief Ortiz an “agent’s agent” who, quote, “epitomizes the core values of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”

And with that, I’ll take questions.

Q Hey, the President, when he delivers the State of the Union, will either have been in the middle of an impeachment trial, towards the end, it will have just concluded — whatever. Impeachment is going to be a factor here. Will he — is it safe to assume he will address it? Will he? What will his message be? And how will he address sitting in front of the Chamber that just either had him on trial or wrapped it up?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: What I do — it’s never safe to assume anything, so I’m not previewing what the President is going to say about that today. Clearly there’s a lot going on, but I’m not going to preview —

Q Will he say something, though?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I’m not going to get ahead of what the President will say.

Q Thanks. Last year, the President spoke just after Democrats gained control of Congress, and he warned them, “If there’s going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war… and investigation…This doesn’t work that way.” And he said, “The only thing that could stop (inaudible)” was ridiculous partisan investigations.

Is there going to be any sort of ultimatum laid down this year, or any kind of reference to Congress’s oversight efforts or the now — just about to be concluded impeachment investigation? I mean, is he going to maybe ask for a truce, perhaps?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Right. Well, you know, I’m up here to help you, sort of, get a broad sense of what is going to be in the speech. And so there’s certain things I’ve been asked to preview. I certainly haven’t been asked to preview exactly what that would look like — if it’s going to be entertained at all.

I would say, speaking to, sort of, the spirit of your question, I mean, if you’re sort of wondering what the tone — I think the speech is going to have a very optimistic tone. And the last three years should give a good indication of, you know, I think how the President views the State of the Union moment for talking about the future and presenting an optimistic vision. So —

Q It seems like there’s a heavy dose of the economy here, can we just ask you a few, if you don’t mind: Is the President going to address debts and deficit? Is he going to address entitlement spending? Is he going to address tax cuts?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I’m not going to address any of those things. I mean, I’m giving you a preview. He’s going to talk about the accomplishments, he’s going to talk a lot about the economy, he’s going to talk about building an inclusive economy where people have opportunities. But I’m not going to preview what he’s going to say about any of those issues.

Q Should he touch upon them, though, at least? Should we expect to hear those talked about?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Sure —

Q What can we expect to hear from the President on the issue of healthcare specifically? Is there going to be any new initiatives rolled out? Should we expect something, or should we wait for him just to lay out some basic guidelines going into this coming election?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, as in past years, this address will have specific calls to Congress to act in certain areas.

I would say if you were looking at the weighting of issues, I think healthcare certainly is a key part of the speech, and I think you can expect very deliberate, or — excuse me, not deliberate — very specific requests for the Congress to do certain things on healthcare.

Q And just to follow up on Hallie’s question — we’re obviously not operating in a vacuum here. Impeachment — we think the President will have just moved past that. What’s the tone of the speech as it relates to this moment, coming out of what has been this contentious period for the President?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well I would again say, if you look at the past three years — I mean, last year, we were just coming off of a government shutdown. And nevertheless, I think last year could be — I think was widely seen by independents and others as a very optimistic, forward-looking speech, a visionary speech. I think this will be an optimistic speech.

And, you know, without previewing — you know, no speech is ever final until it’s delivered, so it’s not as if this is in a vacuum pack until Tuesday. But I think the President will be focused on, you know, the interests of the American people. And in that spirit, I think he’s going to give a positive, forward-looking vision.

Q I’m just wondering, broadly, which foreign policy points he might touch on, particularly China trade and the Middle East peace plan.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: As you noticed, I didn’t give a lot on the national security section, but if you look at the last several years of the Joint Session speeches, the State of the Union speeches, you’ll see that he does a fair bit of going through areas of the world. But I won’t preview anything in particular.

Q Just following up on the foreign policy question, can you address Iran specifically? I know you’re not going to get ahead of the content, but again, going back to the question of tone, what tone can you expect to hear from him as it relates to Iran, which is arguably been one of his biggest foreign policy challenges this year?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think it’s fair to say “determined” — you know, “forceful,” “strong.” Those would be good adjectives.

Q I’m not asking you to get into the details, because I’m sure you won’t, but will there be any big-ticket policy items that he will unveil on Tuesday night?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Often depends on one person’s interpretation of “big ticket,” but I think, you know, very important in terms of his agenda — yes. I mean —

Q Just along those same lines —

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Did I already call on you?

Q You did.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Oh, you asked me to spell, sorry. Go ahead. (Laughter.)

Q Along those same lines that John just asked, will he, kind of, give an outline of what he would expect for a second term if he were to win? Should we expect that? And what kind of items will he (inaudible)?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, he’s going to — he’s going to call on the Congress, working with him on several things.

In terms of a second-term agenda, I mean, some things take time. So I think things that he’s calling for this year, if they don’t happen, he’ll continue to call for them.

I’ll come next to you.

Q As we see it right now, we don’t all know whether the impeachment vote will happen before or after the speech — sort of like a choose-your-own-adventure thing, two forks in a road. Are you guys committed to — is he going to give the same speech no matter what, or are you preparing contingencies based on the calendar?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I wouldn’t call it contingencies. I mean, I’ve been here a couple years here and things — events always happen, and so it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for the speech to evolve before it’s delivered. So it wouldn’t be anything different than any other significant —

Q Right, but at this point, given this is such a big choose-you-own-adventure moment, have you guys written blocks of the speech in case the vote happens or blocks the speech in case it’s still pending?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, I don’t want to get into the process, but the President is always adaptable to speak to the moment and what’s required, and we’re fleet of foot to be able to do that.

Q Thank you.

Q You said me next.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Oh, sorry. Yes. I did say you. Sorry.

Q Just a reminder. (Laughs.)

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah. (Laughs.)

Q This very much seems like a campaign rally speech that the President is directing toward his supporters. In order to address the other half of the country during this moment of extreme division in the country, will the President talk about unity like he has in the past? And how will you get around the criticism that follows after, that he’s just reading from a prompter and doesn’t really want to unify the country?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, I take issue with your characterization that he only speaks to one part of the country.

In terms of the blue-collar boom, I mean, for example, more minorities and women got jobs last year than otherwise. The 72 percent, I think, of women got jobs in the last year. The greatest wage gains are for people at the lower — lower end of the income area.

The focus on jobs and opportunity training with the Pledge to American Workers covers all ranges of people in society.

So I think that it’s unifying because — I think the speech will be unifying in part because the President is focused on opportunity for all Americans. So I would strongly disagree —

Q But is he going to acknowledge that other half that doesn’t have any faith in him right now?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, the President is focused entirely on helping all Americans rise in this economy. And if you read the Davos speech, you’ll see, in mind-numbing detail, the economic indicators that he’s doing that. He’s doing that with passion because he believes that his job is to put the American people first and American workers and American families.

Way in the back.

Q Yeah. Thank you. Given that this is number four, this will be the first time the President has done one of these while there are people in the Chamber who are wanting to replace him as President. How does the President feel about that? Will he mention any of those people or allude to them in any way?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I won’t preview if he’s going to call anybody out because I — but I think the President will be entirely comfortable with that. I think — yeah, I’ll just — I’ll just say that.

Have I called on —

Q Right here.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yes.

Q Is there any chance that if the vote hasn’t happened yet, that the date of this changes?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: That is beyond anything that I would be able to address.

Q And can I ask one more question?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Sure.

Q Has anyone outside the White House helped the President craft this speech?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The President talks to lots of people, and certainly, you know, I wouldn’t give you any specific information about anyone who’s outside the White House crafting a speech.

Q Jeff Mason.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah.

Q Will there be any legislative proposals in the speech? And a follow-up on — I think maybe Blake asked about tax cuts. The President has previewed that he wants to do a tax cut 2.0. Can we not assume that that’s something that he’ll talk about on Tuesday?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, I wouldn’t make any assumptions, but I didn’t preview that and I don’t — there are a lot of things I haven’t previewed, but I don’t want to un-preview them. So —

Q And with regard to legislative — and with regard to legislative proposals, will there be any legislative proposals in the speech?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, as I mentioned, like in years past, he will have calls for the Congress to do certain things.

I think they call —

Q Thank you very much.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah.

Q Will the President address about the North Korea nuclear issues or Korean Peninsula in his speech?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: No comment on, you know — I’m not going to address it or preview that. And, you know, in years past, he’s addressed the North Korean situation. So —

Way in the back. Gentleman way in the back. Yeah. You.

Q Which of the President’s proposals do you expect Democrats to stand and applaud?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think there could be a couple.

Q Which ones?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I’ll come back to you, one second.

Q Thank you very much, sir. What are we expecting as far as small businesses are concerned? Because they are the ones, in general, to create jobs? And also, middle class — what are we expecting from the President?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, as I mentioned, he’ll talk about how the economic policy that he has pursued has lifted up the middle class and especially blue-collar workers. He’ll talk about the manufacturing jobs, I expect, that have been created. He’ll talk about how the tax cuts have helped small businesses. He’ll talk about how the energy revolution has really lifted everybody up in terms of, you know, lower gasoline prices, lower energy prices.

Q Thanks a lot. Last year, one of those rare instances of bipartisan applause was when the President said that America will never be a socialist country. Do you see a return to that theme at all in the speech?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, all I will say to that is that, as I said in the topline, you know, he’s going to build off what he said last year and present some contrasts, especially when it comes to healthcare. So —

Q Will he acknowledge that — will he mention the fact that this is an election year and acknowledge how difficult it is to get things done in presidential election years?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: No comment on what he’ll say about that. I mean, I’m not going to preview anything he’ll say about (inaudible).

Q Well, will he specifically mention, “Hey, I know it’s an election year”?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: You know, I don’t know. I mean, everybody knows that. (Laughter.) So, I don’t know if he’ll make it explicit or not.

Q In 1999, President Clinton delivered a State of the Union in the middle of impeachment. I guess, two questions about that. One, have you guys studied that speech at all or looked at how he dealt with it? And also, that was a super over-the-top bipartisan, “let’s talk about bipartisanship” kind of speech. Do you expect this speech to have any sort of overtures to bipartisanship?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, I would just say that the economy doing so well, and the President’s emphasis on continuing the policies that are lifting people from all walks of life — every age, background — that’s unifying.

I’ve heard the President say in a different — in a public forum that he always thought Americans could unite around success. And, you know, in that respect, whether certain people don’t see the President being uniting or unifying, the facts of the matter — the facts of the economic consequences are they, in a way, they do unite because people can be united around success.

Q Should we expect any major initiatives in the foreign policy portion of the address? Could you talk about that without going into specifics?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, of course, this past week, the President laid out his peace plan proposal. I don’t think we’ll have anything of that magnitude in the speech, but I wouldn’t — I didn’t preview anything, but he may — he may talk about that to some degree. But I think there won’t be anything, you know, certainly Earth-shattering or new with respect to foreign policy.

Q Yes, the President just signed the USMCA in a ceremony. No Democrats who were invited. Is there — are there going to be any Democrats as guests? Is there going to be any way that he talks about the fact that things have been not very friendly between to the two parties?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I don’t know, actually, whether any — I don’t know the party affiliation of the guests. I would not be surprised if some of them are Democrats, but that’s just speaking about the guests. I don’t think the President is going to address that in particular. I don’t think he’s going to be explicit about it.

Q Is there a nexus between the Opportunity Zones and this guest, Tony Rankins? Did something good happen to him because of the zone specifically?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I mentioned that the company is operating — that has hired him and trained him — is in an Opportunity Zone.

Q What did it do for the company? How did it help him?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: The Opportunity Zone made the company capable of doing what it’s doing, and we can provide more information on that.

Way in the back. The gentleman there in the back.

Q Yeah. Thank you. The President spoke last year — in last year’s address — about ending endless wars. I’m wondering if he would talk about that again or speak at all about trying to bring U.S. troops home from overseas.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think the President has talked very consistently about that. I won’t preview what he’ll say in the speech, but he has talked very consistently about that in the past.

Right here, in the front.

Q Can we anticipate anything on coronavirus and efforts being made to make sure that this doesn’t become a bigger problem?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah, I won’t preview what’s going to be said. As you know, this is a busy news day, and I think the State Department put some things out, and the CDC. I expect, you know, people — I mean, I know the President is closely monitoring it, and I wouldn’t be surprised between now and Tuesday there will be more that will said about that. But I won’t preview what the State of the Union will say about that because I —

Q Thanks a lot.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah.

Q It’s been a busy week for the President. He’s had the rollout of his vision for peace in the Middle East, the USMCA, a rally last night in Iowa. What’s been the rhythm of his engagement with speechwriters this week? How often has he been dipping into the speech? How engaged has he been? And when has he found time to do that?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, you know, we travel — yesterday — I was on travel yesterday. Saw the President. Spoke to the President. You know, we hear from the President all of the time, whether we’re in the room or not, by what he is saying, what he is — you know, like the USMCA.

We have a very clear idea of what the President’s vision is in a lot of areas. And then, when necessary, we ask specifically and engage.

Q Did he veto any guests that you guys have planned?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I’m not going to get into the speechwriting process other than to say that the process begins and ends with the President. Trust me on that.

Q Thank you very much. Regarding the mentioning of the U.S.-China phase one trade deal, will the President be giving more details about future steps?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I’m not going to preview what he’s going to say on trade. But — yes.

Q Can I just ask about timing? Do you expect this to be a little shorter speech, a longer speech, compared to the last couple addresses?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think comparable. Comparable to last year’s — I mean, to the last several years. Yes.

Q Do you anticipate him mentioning anything of the First Lady’s initiatives (inaudible)?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I would not be surprised. In years past, the First Lady has had guests that reflect her initiative. And I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the same this year. As I mentioned earlier, we’ll have some more people for you on Monday who will be guests in the gallery.

Q Will he be mentioning, though, any of her initiatives? Or there will be guests reflecting her initiatives?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I’m not going to preview that today, but on Monday we’ll have some more guests.

MR. DEERE: We’ll take one last question.

Q No, you haven’t called on me.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I haven’t called on you. Okay.

Q So just back to the tone — I’m not asking for content, but you’re a speechwriter, so we’re very used to his speeches now — you know, every week or two weeks, with some very, let’s say, “colorful” language, which his supporters like. You know, just last night, we had “Adam Schiff shifting like a sweaty dog” or “sweating like a dog,” or something like that. We’ve got “the Democrats will end — basically end the entire country as we know it,” “ripping babies out of wombs,” and so on. Is this the type of language that will be in there, or will it be a different kind of President Trump speaking?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, I’d say very generally — as I said, I think the tone will be optimistic. In the past, I’ve sort of said if there’s one word to describe his speech and vision, last year I think I said, “visionary,” and another year I said, “unifying.” I think “optimism” — “optimistic” is the adjective I would use.

You know, in Davos, he had a line in the Davos speech — something to the effect of: This is not a time for pessimism and doubt; this is time for optimism and hope. So I think —

Q Will he talk about the apocalypse? (Laughter.)

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think it will be generally in that spirit that: This is not a time for pessimism, this is a time for optimism.

Q You mentioned optimism and hope. What connection do you think he might make to the perceived threat of undocumented immigrants?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, in the past, he’s — you know, he talks about immigration. He’s going to talk about success on the southern border. I think that there have been — illegal crossings have declined by, I believe, it’s 72 percent over the last seven, eight months. You know, the border wall is going up. And he’s going to talk about that success. As I mentioned, he’s going to talk about the challenge of sanctuary cities.

Q You got a running time yet?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Someone asked me about the running time, and I said it will probably be comparable to last year.

Q And just to clarify, the theme is, “The Great American Comeback: A Vision of Relentless Optimism” — all together?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: No, no. “The Great American Comeback.”

Q Oh, okay.

Q And, sorry, just quickly, how many people were involved in working on the speech, would you say?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, you know, basically the whole government works on this speech because you engage in a process that it touches upon every department.

Q Yeah, but I mean like writing it — really involved in it.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, several people. Like I said, it begins and ends with the President.

Are we done? (Laughter.)

MR. DEERE: Thanks very much, everybody. Just remember [senior administration official] is on background to a “senior administration official.” Your embargo is now lifted.

Thank you.

[Transcript End]