State of the Union: Trump interrupted by chanting as Pelosi rips up address on live TV
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Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump has delivered his third State of the Union, a high-profile address made this year in the shadow of an ongoing impeachment trial and months away from the president's re-election.
The optimistic speech came just a day after Democrats oversaw a breakdown in its election processes in Iowa, where the 2020 Democratic primary season got off to a disastrous start that has still failed to deliver results nearly a day later.
But Mr Trump's speech was not without its own discord. Just before the address, the president was seen appearing to snub a handshake attempt from Ms Pelosi.
Then, after the speech, Ms Pelosi added to the night's drama by tearing up her copy of the speech, in plain view of the president and the cameras broadcasting the address across the nation.
The president had focused in his address on perceived victories over the past three years, and has remarked on his priorities for the coming year, reportedly including middle class tax cuts, school choice, immigration and the military.
He told one Philadelphia student that she would be getting a school scholarship, surprised a military family with the return of their soldier from Afghanistan and also instructed the first lady to give Rush Limbaugh the presidential medal of freedom, the highest honour for a citizen in the US.
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"Members of Congress, the president of the United States"
Ms Pelosi has introduced the president to the room. Some are chanting "four more years".
Loud cheers for the first lady
After Mr Trump introduced her, Ms Trump received a standing ovation.
"Three years ago, we launched the Great American Comeback. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results," Mr Trump said before claiming that "our country is thriving and highly respected again."
"The years of economic decay are over," Mr Trump said.
"The days of our country being used, taken advantage of and even scorned by other nations are long behind us," he said, continuing what feels like a victory lap three years in to his presidency.
"We are never, ever going back," Mr Trump said, after claiming that the US has "rejected" downsizing during his presidency.
He then claimed that the US economy is the "best it has ever been".
More from his downsizing remarks:
"In just three 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!"
He continued:
"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."
Claims he "moved rapidly" to help with jobs in the US during his presidency, references his tax cuts, and his effort to re draw trade agreements.
Mr Trump's touting of low unemployment (especially for African Americans and latinos), is being met by raucous cheers and applause from the Republican side. For what it's worth: that side of the room is overwhelmingly white and male.
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