By Mason Duffey
On February 5th, President Donald Trump delivered his state of the union (SOTU) address. Trump listed his administrations accomplishments and major changes in America during the past year and throughout his presidency. He started his speech by stating he is not pushing a side’s agenda, but rather “the agenda of the American people.” The economic growth in America was a big part of his speech, talking about the lowest unemployment rate in decades including record low unemployment for minorities and people with disabilities, which many democrats almost seemed disappointed in. Trump attributed the economic boom to the 5.3 million jobs his administration has added, including 600,000 manufacturing jobs. He also added how well his tax cuts and deregulatory attitude have helped the American people by doubling the child tax credit as well as ending the unpopular Obamacare. The energy revolution in America was a highlight in the SOTU. Since the election of Trump, America has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world and has a become a net exporter of energy for the first time in 65 years.
Trump invited guests from all over the country to the SOTU, ranging from families of victims killed by illegal aliens, to a holocaust survivor, and to a reformed criminal. Mathew Charles, a man who was convicted in 1996 for non-violent drug charges, went to prison for over 2 decades. He completed over 30 bible studies became a law clerk and a mentor to other inmates. Charles was invited by Trump because Charles became the first person to be released under the prison reform bill called the “First Step Act,” which had overwhelming support from both parties.
Overall, I think the President showed that his administration has put our country on the right path, but as Americans need to work together to find a middle ground. As President Trump said, if we want peace and legislation, we cannot have war and investigation.
