President Trump will call for the end of “political stalemate,” claim America’s political class is pro-“open borders,” and reiterate his desire to pull the U.S out of “endless wars” in his State of the Union address Tuesday night.
“Together, we can break decades of political stalemate,” excerpts of Trump’s speech, obtained by CBS News, read. “We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America's future. The decision is ours to make."
Trump will also reportedly talk about America’s “moral duty” to reform the U.S. immigration system, and will reiterate his claim that the wealthy have walls for protect but deny the U.S. the same.
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“No issue better illustrates the divide between America's WORKING CLASS and America's POLITICAL CLASS than illegal immigration,” the excerpt reads. “Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards."
Trump will also reportedly address prescription drug prices, comparing U.S. prices with those in other countries and calling the practice of pharmaceutical companies “wrong [and] unfair.”
Regarding foreign policy, Trump is expected to support Venezuela’s opposition leadership in their “noble quest for freedom” while contesting President Nicolas Maduro’s rule, and will underline his intent for the U.S. to stop fighting “endless wars.”
Trump is also expected to make a statement against actors in the Middle East who seek to endanger the people of Israel.
"We will not avert our eyes from a regime that chants Death to America and threatens genocide against the Jewish People,” the excerpts read.
The speech comes after the president and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) had come to political blows over the address in the heat of the partial government shutdown in January—with Trump originally wanting the speech to take place on Jan. 29, and Pelosi requesting he postpone that date until after the government had been re-opened.
“Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address,” Pelosi wrote, adding that the president may mail his speech in on paper to Congress on that date if he so wished.
One day after Pelosi rejected Trump’s proposal, he retaliated against her by cancelling the Speaker’s overseas trip shortly before her scheduled departure. He didn’t mask his motives:
“I am sorry to inform you that your trip to Brussels, Egypt, and Afghanistan has been postponed,” Trump wrote to Pelosi. “We will reschedule this seven-day excursion when the Shutdown is over.”
Despite the spat, Pelosi invited Trump to the House Chamber for his address after Congress and the president agreed to re-open the government until Feb. 15. “It is a great honor to accept,” Trump wrote in the acceptance letter. “We have a great story to tell and yet, great goals to achieve!”
The New York Times reported Trump had complained in the days leading up to the address. that his speech as drafted was “too gentle on Democrats” He reportedly sought to “sharpen various lines” of attack, as aides pushed the president to just congratulate Pelosi on her re-ascension to House Speaker.
