President Donald Trump delivered his first address to a Joint of Congress on Tuesday night, stressing an end to what he says is a toxic, partisan environment.
Until Tuesday, Trump’s abitious agenda and off-the-cuff remarks—as well as his administration’s difficulty rolling out his policy proposals—have actively contributed to the rancor, leaving many in both parties skeptical that he could convince Americans that he intends to compromise.
Trump opened his speech by acknowledging Black History Month and stridently condemning what he called “evil” threats plaguing the American Jewish community. He went on to call out legislators for a “toxic environment,” and press the gathered legislators to work together to accomplish an ambitious plan to overhaul immigration, health care and trade, as well as pass a billion-dollar infrastructure reinvestment program.
He was clear that the object of his presidency was “America First.”
“My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America,” he said. He dubbed his supporters “The Rebellion,” responding to a political system that had, for too long, taken advantage of the working class.
Democrats, who had planned a series of subtle protests during the speech, were left visibly confused by Trump’s newfound conciliatory tone. On social media, Trump’s detractors were also surprised by the speech, which departed from his earlier addresses with a more positive tone.
National Journal‘s editor Josh Kraushaar called the speech “the first Trump speech that…should help him win over voters outside his base.” Pollster Frank Luntz’s focus group called the speech “better than expected.” The capitol bureau chief for POLITICO said some moments of the speech were “Reaganesque.”
Most viewers shared a different sentiment, however—the one best outlined by a panelist in one of CBS‘s “independent voter panels:”
“Great job to the speechwriter, but I will see Donald Trump at 12 a.m. [on Twitter].”
