Donald Trump in 2017 State of the Union address
On Budget & Economy:
Restart engine after worst financial recovery in 65 years
We must honestly acknowledge the circumstances we inherited: 94 million Americans are out of the labor force. Over 43 million people are now living in poverty. More than 1 in 5 people in their prime working years are not working. We have the worst
financial recovery in 65 years.We've lost more than 1/4 of our manufacturing jobs since NAFTA was approved, and we've lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. Our trade deficit in goods with the world last year
was nearly $800 billion dollars.
To accomplish our goals at home and abroad, we must restart the engine of the American economy--making it easier for companies to do business in the United States, and much harder for companies to leave.
Right now, American companies are taxed at one of the highest rates anywhere in the world. My economic team is developing historic tax reform that will reduce the tax rate on our companies so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Crime:
Unify behind law enforcement; support the victims of crime
The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century. In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone--and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher. This is not acceptable in our society.
Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, to attend a great school, and to have access to a high-paying job.But to create this future, we must work with--not against--the men and women of law enforcement.
We must build bridges of cooperation and trust--not drive the wedge of disunity and division.
Police and sheriffs are members of our community. They are friends and neighbors, they are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters--and they
leave behind loved ones every day who worry whether or not they'll come home safe and sound. We must support the incredible men and women of law enforcement. And we must support the victims of crime.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Drugs:
Stop drugs pouring into country & poisoning our youth
We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross--and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate. [Now], our terrible drug epidemic will slow down and ultimately, stop. And our neglected
inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety, and opportunity.To protect our citizens, I have directed the Department of Justice to form a Task Force on Reducing Violent Crime. I have further ordered the Departments of Homeland Security and
Justice, along with the Department of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to coordinate an aggressive strategy to dismantle the criminal cartels that have spread across our Nation.
We will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Education:
School choice is civil rights issue of our time
To achieve the future [we envision], we must enrich the mind--and the souls--of every American child. Education is the civil rights issue of our time. I am calling upon Members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for
disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Energy & Oil:
Stop threatening the livelihood of our coal miners
For every 1 new regulation, 2 old regulations must be eliminated; and stopping a regulation that threatens the future and livelihoods of our great coal miners. We have cleared the way for the construction of the Keystone and
Dakota Access Pipelines--thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs--and I've issued a new directive that new American pipelines be made with American steel.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Families & Children:
Bipartisan effort to implement paid family leave
Democrats and Republicans should unite for the good of the American people. My administration wants to work with members in both parties to make childcare accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents have paid family leave, to invest in women's
health, and to promote clean air and clear water, and to rebuild our military.True love for our people requires us to find common ground, to advance the common good, and to cooperate on behalf of every American child who deserves a brighter future.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Foreign Policy:
America is once again ready to lead
Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice--in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present. That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world.
I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart.A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning. A new national pride is sweeping across our Nation.
And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp.
What we are witnessing today is the Renewal of the American Spirit. Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead.
All the nations of the world--friend or foe--will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Foreign Policy:
Unbreakable alliance with the state of Israel
I have also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support Iran's ballistic missile program, and reaffirmed our unbreakable alliance with the State of Israel.Finally, I have kept my promise to appoint a Justice to the
United States Supreme Court--from my list of 20 judges--who will defend our Constitution. I am honored to have Maureen Scalia with us in the gallery tonight.
Her late, great husband, Antonin Scalia, will forever be a symbol of American justice. To fill his seat, we have chosen Judge Neil Gorsuch, a man of incredible skill, and deep devotion to the law.
He was confirmed unanimously to the Court of Appeals, and I am asking the Senate to swiftly approve his nomination.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Free Trade:
US companies pay high tariffs abroad; let's change that
We must create a level playing field for American companies & workers. Currently, when we ship products out of America, many other countries make us pay very high tariffs and taxes--but when foreign companies ship their products into America, we charge
them almost nothing.I just met with officials and workers from a great American company, Harley-Davidson. I asked them how they are doing with international sales. They told me--without even complaining because they have been mistreated for so long
that they have become used to it--that it is very hard to do business with other countries because they tax our goods at such a high rate. They said that in one case another country taxed their motorcycles at 100 percent.
They weren't even asking for
change. But I am. I believe strongly in free trade but it also has to be FAIR TRADE. President Lincoln, warned that the "abandonment of the protective policy will produce want and ruin." Lincoln was right--and it is time we heeded his words.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Free Trade:
End TPP; make American pipelines with American steel
We have cleared the way for the construction of [new oil] pipelines--thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs--and I've issued a new directive that new American pipelines be made with American steel. We have withdrawn the United States from the
job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership. We have formed a Council with our neighbors in Canada to help ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the networks, markets and capital they need to start a business and live out their financial dreams.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Government Reform:
Lifetime ban on becoming foreign lobbyists
We have placed a hiring freeze on non-military and non-essential Federal workers.
We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a 5 year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials--and a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Government Reform:
For every new regulation, must eliminate two old ones
We have undertaken a historic effort to massively reduce job-crushing regulations, creating a deregulation task force inside of every Government agency; imposing a new rule which mandates that for every
1 new regulation, 2 old regulations must be eliminated; and stopping a regulation that threatens the future and livelihoods of our great coal miners.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Health Care:
Lower the cost of health insurance, instead of mandates
Mandating every American to buy government-approved health insurance was never the right solution for America. The way to make health insurance available to everyone is to lower the cost of health insurance, and that is what we will do.ObamaCare
premiums nationwide have increased by double and triple digits. One third of counties have only one insurer on the exchanges--leaving many Americans with no choice at all. Remember when you were told that you could keep your doctor, and keep your plan?
We now know that all of those promises have been broken. ObamaCare is collapsing--and we must act decisively to protect all Americans. Action is not a choice--it is a necessity.
Here are the principles that should guide the Congress as we
move to create a better healthcare system for all Americans: First, we should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, and that we have a stable transition for Americans currently enrolled in the healthcare exchanges.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Health Care:
Expand Health Savings Accounts but not forced by government
Here are the principles that should guide the Congress as we move to create a better healthcare system for all Americans:- First, we should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, and that we have a stable
transition for Americans currently enrolled in the healthcare exchanges.
- We should help Americans purchase their own coverage, through the use of tax credits and expanded Health Savings Accounts--but it must be the plan they want, not the plan forced
on them by the Government.
- We should give our great State Governors the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out.
- We should implement legal reforms that protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs
that drive up the price of insurance.
- Finally, the time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across State lines--creating a truly competitive national marketplace.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Health Care:
Slash restraints at FDA; get blessed with more miracle drugs
Today is Rare Disease day, and joining us in the gallery is a Rare Disease Survivor, Megan Crowley. Megan was diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare and serious illness, when she was 15 months old. She was not expected to live past 5.On receiving this
news, Megan's dad, John, fought with everything he had to save the life of his precious child. He founded a company to look for a cure, and helped develop the drug that saved Megan's life. Today she is 20 years old--and a sophomore at Notre Dame.
Megan's story is about the unbounded power of a father's love for a daughter.
But our slow and burdensome approval process at the Food and Drug Administration keeps too many advances, like the one that saved Megan's life, from reaching those in need.
If we slash the restraints, not just at the FDA but across our Government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles like Megan. In fact, our children will grow up in a Nation of miracles.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Homeland Security:
Cannot allow beachhead of radical Islamic terrorism
Our obligation is to serve, protect, and defend the citizens of the United States. We are also taking strong measures to protect our Nation from Radical Islamic Terrorism.The vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses
since 9/11 came here from outside of our country. We have seen the attacks at home. We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world.
It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places
where proper vetting cannot occur. Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values.
We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America--we cannot allow our
Nation to become a sanctuary for extremists. That is why my Administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our Nation safe--and to keep out those who would do us harm.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Homeland Security:
Meaningful engagement with allies paying their fair share
Our foreign policy calls for a direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world. It is American leadership based on vital security interests that we share with our allies across the globe. We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the
bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism.But our partners must meet their financial obligations. And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that.
We expect our partners, whether in NATO, in the Middle East, or the Pacific--to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost. We will respect historic institutions, but we will also
respect the sovereign rights of nations.
My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America. But we know that America is better off, when there is less conflict--not more.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Homeland Security:
Negotiate prices for the fantastic new F-35 jet fighter
Since my election, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler, GM, Lockheed, Intel, Walmart, and many others, have announced that they will invest billions in the US and will create tens of thousands of new American jobs. The stock market has gained almost $3 trillion in
value since the election on November 8th, a record. We've saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of the fantastic new F-35 jet fighter, and will be saving billions more dollars on contracts all across our Government.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Homeland Security:
More tools so our military can fight and win
To keep America safe, we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war and--if they must--to fight and to win.I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the
Defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history.
My budget will also increase funding for our veterans. Our veterans have delivered for this Nation--and now we must deliver for them.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Immigration:
Restore integrity at borders instead of lawless chaos
My Administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement & border security. By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer
for everyone. We want all Americans to succeed--but that can't happen in an environment of lawless chaos. We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great, great wall along
citizens.
To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this question: what would you say to the American family that loses their job or a loved one, because America refused to uphold its laws & defend its borders?
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Immigration:
Merit-based immigration system instead of lower skills
Protecting our workers means reforming our system of legal immigration. The current, outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers, & puts great pressure on taxpayers.Nations around the world, like Canada, Australia and many others--have a
merit-based immigration system. It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially. Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens
rely upon.
Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, will have many benefits: it will save countless dollars, raise workers' wages, & help struggling families--including immigrant
families--enter the middle class.
I believe that real & positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs & wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation's security, & to restore respect for our laws.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Immigration:
New agency VOICE: Victims of Immigrant Crime Engagement
I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims. The office is called VOICE--Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement. We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced
by special interests.Joining us in the audience tonight are very brave Americans whose government failed them. Jamiel Shaw's 17-year-old son was viciously murdered by an illegal immigrant gang member, who had just been released from prison.
The husbands of Susan Oliver and Jessica Davis--Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver and Detective Michael Davis--were slain in the line of duty in California, viciously gunned down by an illegal immigrant with a criminal record and two prior deportations.
To Jamiel, Susan and Jessica: I want you to know--we will never stop fighting for justice. Your loved ones will never be forgotten, we will always honor their memory.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Jobs:
Two core principles: buy American, and hire American
To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the US--financed through both public and private capital--creating millions of new jobs.
This effort will be guided by two core principles: Buy American, and Hire American. Tonight, I am also calling on this Congress to repeal and replace ObamaCare with reforms that expand choice, increase access, lower costs, and provide better healthcare.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Put American citizens first, to make America great again
In 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started as a quiet protest, spoken by families of all colors and creeds--families who just wanted a fair shot for their children, and a fair hearing for their concerns. The quiet voices became a
loud chorus--as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and large, all across our country. Finally, the chorus became an earthquake--and the people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple,
but crucial demand, that America must put its own citizens first ... because only then, can we truly MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.Dying industries will come roaring back to life. Heroic veterans will get the care they so desperately need. Our military
will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve. Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced. Our terrible drug epidemic will slow down & ultimately, stop. And our neglected inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety, and opportunity.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Technology:
Trillions abroad while crumbling infrastructure at home
We've financed and built one global project after another, but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities. We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross--and for drugs to pour in
at a now unprecedented rate. And we've spent trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled.It's been a little over a month since my inauguration, and I want to take this moment to update the
Nation on the progress I've made in keeping those promises. America must put its own citizens first .
Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and railways gleaming across our beautiful land.
Our terrible drug epidemic will slow down and ultimately, stop. And our neglected inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety, and opportunity. Above all else, we will keep our promises to the American people.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On Technology:
New program of national rebuilding, like Ike's interstates
Another Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, initiated the last truly great national infrastructure program--the building of the interstate highway system. The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding.America has spent
approximately $6 trillion in the Middle East, all this while our infrastructure at home is crumbling. With this $6 trillion we could have rebuilt our country--twice. And maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negotiate.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
On War & Peace:
ISIS are lawless savages; extinguish them from our planet
As promised, I directed the Department of Defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS--a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians, and men, women, and children of all faiths and beliefs.
We will work with our allies, including our friends and allies in the Muslim world, to extinguish this vile enemy from our planet.
Source: 2017 State of the Union address to Congress
Feb 28, 2017
Page last updated: Jan 18, 2020