President Donald Trump’s recent speech before a joint session of Congress marked the end of the era where Democrats were seen as the party of compassion, a title first claimed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt 92 years ago. Former Reagan speechwriter Clark Judge noted that FDR’s energy and humanity during the Great Depression helped the Democratic Party establish itself as the party of the common people and social justice. However, Trump’s speech, which touched on overcoming economic injustices and featured heartwarming stories, signaled the end of this era, with Judge stating that the Democrats’ behavior during the speech only served to make Trump look better as the commander in chief.
During his speech, Trump highlighted the accomplishments of his administration in a little over a month, stating that America was back on the path to greatness. He emphasized swift and unrelenting action and declared that more had been achieved in 43 days than in previous administrations. Trump also introduced guests who represented everyday Americans, such as a young cancer survivor named DJ Daniel, whose dream of becoming a police officer was made a reality by the president. These guests brought life to the callousness of the old order, according to Judge, and showcased the sense of hope for the nation and its future under the Trump administration.
Former presidential speechwriters and political commentators weighed in on Trump’s speech, with many praising his delivery and the structure of his address. Bill McGurn, former President George W. Bush’s chief speechwriter, commended Trump for playing the Democrats against themselves and delivering a speech that was well received by Republicans. Meanwhile, Stephen Miller, who served as Trump’s director of speechwriting, criticized Democrats for their actions during the speech, including holding up signs and protesting various moments.
While Democrats largely remained seated and protested throughout Trump’s speech, conservatives and allies of the president hailed the address as historic and inspiring. They emphasized that Trump was fulfilling his campaign promises at a rapid pace, with his actions leading to record results and the renewal of the American Dream. U.N. ambassador-designate Elise Stefanik praised Trump’s first month in office, highlighting his efforts to secure the border, cut wasteful spending, and assert America’s leadership on the world stage. Overall, Republicans rallied around Trump’s speech, viewing it as a sign of strong leadership and a return to an American Golden Age.
Criticism of Trump’s speech also emerged, with former speechwriter for George W. Bush, David Frum, condemning the president’s behavior during the address. Frum argued that Trump’s actions threatened democracy and raised concerns about the future of elections in the country. He warned that Trump’s actions could potentially lead to legal troubles and may jeopardize the integrity of future elections. Despite mixed reactions to the speech, Trump’s ability to deliver a memorable address and his guests’ heartfelt stories left a lasting impression on those in attendance and viewers across the country.
