On his final day in office, President Trump delivered his farewell address to the nation
With only one day left in his presidency, President Donald Trump posted his almost 20 minute speech on the White House’s Youtube channel making his final remarks to the nation.
In his speech, the president highlighted his accomplishments, spoke to how grateful he was to have had the chance to serve and addressed the state of the nation.
President Trump began his speech thanking members of his family, his cabinet, secret service and the American people. He said that serving the nation has been, “an honor beyond description.”
He condemned the events which occurred on Jan. 6 at the capitol again, stating,“Political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans.”
“We must never forget that while Americans will always have our disagreements, we are a nation of incredible, decent, faithful and peace-loving citizens who all want our country to thrive and flourish,” said the president.
President Trump reminisced on why he chose to run for president as a newcomer to politics and claimed that he knew he could help grow America into the, “towering new summit” he hoped it to be.
To that end, the president then stated his achievements in creating historic economic highs, record low unemployment, passing tax reform, ending regulations, renegotiating trade deals such as the USMCA, imposing tariffs on China, making American energy independent, building over 450 miles of wall along the southern border and creating a vaccine. He continued by mentioning the three Supreme Court Justices he appointed, the over 300 federal judges he chose, the right to try and first step acts.
After expressing that he feels his administration has restored American strength at home and leadership abroad, the president remarked, “The world respects us again. Please don’t lose that respect.”
President Donald Trump invested $3 trillion into rebuilding the United States military and creating the Space Force. He also mentioned his destruction of ISIS and his administration’s elimination of Al Bagdadi and Quessem Solemani.
Continuing with his work in the middle east, the president recounted his accomplishments of recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. President Trump spoke about the beginning of peace in the middle east, the Abraham Accords and the, “dawn of a new middle east.” The president also discussed bringing troops home and being one of the first presidents in decades to not enter into any new wars.
“Above all we have reasserted the sacred idea that in America the government answers to the people. Our guiding light, our North Star, our unwavering conviction has been that we are here to serve the noble, everyday citizens of America,” said President Trump.
The president continued to speak about the nation he is leaving to the future President Biden mentioning that, “As the world’s most powerful nation, America faces constant threats and challenges from abroad, but the greatest danger we face is a loss of confidence in ourselves. A loss of confidence in our national greatness. A nation is only as strong as its spirit.”
“We are only as vibrant as the faith that beats in the hearts of our people. No nation can long thrive that loses faith in its own values, history and heroes. For these are the very sources of our unity and our vitality,” he continued.
While discussing how Americans must remember what they have in common to keep the nation together, the president pivoted to discussing the First Amendment and censorship.
“Only if we forget who we are and how we got here, could we ever allow political censorship and blacklisting to take place in America,” said the president. This statement was made in response to many calling for Trump officials to be blacklisted from all future jobs.
“America is not a timid nation of tame souls who need to be sheltered and protected from those with whom we disagree. That is not who we are. It will never be who we are,” continued the president.
He concluded by speaking about the many individuals who attended his rallies and his gratitude for their admiration and appreciation for the nation.
“As long as the American people hold in their hearts deep and devoted love of country, then there is nothing that this nation cannot achieve… I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart, an optimistic spirit and a supreme confidence that for our country, and for our children, the best is yet to come. Thank you and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America,” he concluded.
Around 12 p.m. EST President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn into office with a limited crowd. Although Vice President Mike Pence will be in attendance, President Trump will not partake in the event, breaking long-standing tradition.