Tuesday night was defined by President Donald Trump, who graced the country with his first State of the Union address, explaining what was to come in the upcoming year. 

In the first few minutes of the event, he explained his agenda on what a “great America” is, “Each day since [the inauguration], we have gone forward with a clear vision and a righteous mission—to make America great again for all Americans,” Trump stated.  

Trump reflected over the past year, which, according to him, was defined by “incredible progress” and “extraordinary success.” He noted that Americans have faced both victory and hardship, while enduring difficulties like a government shutdown and a multitude of natural disasters, ranging from fires to floods. 

He introduced a few of First Lady Melania’s guests, which included Coast Guard Petty Officer Ashlee Leppert, who was aboard one of the first helicopters to arrive in Houston during Hurricane Harvey; firefighter David Dahlberg, who saved approximately 60 children that were trapped at a summer camp surrounded by forest fires; and 12-year-old Preston Sharp, who started a movement to place 40,000 flags on graves of veterans. 

According to President Trump, the United States in his year of presidency, “created 2.4 million new jobs, including 200,000 new jobs in manufacturing alone.” He claimed that unemployment hit a 45-year low, with minorities touching their lowest levels of unemployment ever recorded.  

“Small business confidence is at an all-time high. The stock market has smashed one record after another, gaining $8 trillion in value. That is great news for Americans’ 401k, retirement, pension and college savings accounts,” Trump stated.  

Trump also stated that, “And just as I promised the American people from this podium 11 months ago, we enacted the biggest tax cuts and reforms in American history. Our massive tax cuts provide tremendous relief for the middle class and small businesses.” 

Continuing, Trump at length, discussed his newest tax features, “To lower tax rates for hardworking Americans, we nearly doubled the standard deduction for everyone. Now, the first $24,000 earned by a married couple is completely tax-free. We also doubled the child tax credit. A typical family of four making $75,000 will see their tax bill reduced by $2,000 — slashing their tax bill in half.” 

In the next year, President Trump plans to appoint new judges to Supreme Court, who he hopes “will interpret the constitution as written;” defend the Second Amendment and freedom of religion, protect the rights of American veterans, make Washington more accountable, to honor good workers, and strengthen the auto industry. 

“It is time for the Congress to give these wonderful Americans the right to try,” Trump said. He spoke on his hopes to give people the right to any treatments for terminal conditions, even if experimental, in the United States.  

In addition to this hope, Trump spoke on his goals to fix bad trade deals and the infrastructure deficit, improve transportation ways, fight the drug epidemic, fund the military fully, use all necessary power against terrorist, and set strict sanctions against communistic countries. 

In addition, he made a point to ask Congress to improve immigration laws and not allow “criminals” across the borders. His plan includes, “generously offering a path to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal immigrants, who were brought here by their parents at a young age . . . building a wall on the Southern border. . . ending the visa lottery. . . [and] limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children.” 

Trump summed up the Union Address saying, “As long as we have confidence in our values, faith in our citizens, and trust in our God, we will not fail. Our families will thrive. Our people will prosper. And our Nation will forever be safe and strong and proud and mighty and free. . . Thank you, and God bless America.”