Trump highlights economy, jobs and border security, calls for support for Republicans
US President Donald Trump once again defended his administration's policies on the economy, jobs, border security, taxes and foreign policy during a speech in which he also called for support for Republican candidates in the upcoming elections.
During his remarks, Trump urged Democratic, Republican and independent voters alike to back Republican candidates, naming Bruce Blakeman among other Republican Party figures. According to the president, Democratic policies were contributing to the decline of the state of New York.
Trump also thanked his political allies and those he said had supported his administration, including Republican leaders, former officials and public figures.
Trump highlights results at the border
A large part of the speech was devoted to immigration and border security with Mexico.
According to Donald Trump, his administration had rapidly transformed a border he described as among the least secure in US history into one of the most secure in the country. The president said similar measures had been adopted during his first term, but that the situation had subsequently worsened.
Trump further claimed that, over the past 15 months, no illegal immigrants had entered the United States, while illegal border crossing attempts had fallen by 94%.
According to Trump, attempts by vessels linked to drug trafficking had also dropped by 97%.
The president attributed these results to his administration's policies and said the United States continues to welcome immigrants, but that entry into the country must occur through legal channels.
Economy and jobs
Turning to the economy, Trump said the United States is experiencing a period of strong economic growth and rising employment.
According to Donald Trump, more Americans are currently employed and investment in the country is growing, while new factories are being opened across different regions.
The president also said the stock market has hit dozens of record highs since his election and defended the economic results achieved by his administration.
At the same time, Trump criticised Democratic economic policies, particularly in the state of New York, saying high taxes and other measures were driving people and businesses out of the state.
Tax cuts and drug prices
Trump also highlighted the tax cuts approved during his administration.
According to the president, the United States passed the largest tax cuts in the country's history, with the support of the Republican majority in Congress.
On healthcare, Trump said his drug pricing policy is driving a historic reduction in medicine costs.
According to Donald Trump, some medicines could become between 300%, 400%, 500% and even 600% cheaper for American consumers, following negotiations with other countries and the use of tariffs as a pressure tool.
Trump also said Americans, who for decades had paid some of the highest drug prices in the world, would now pay lower prices.
Defence and foreign policy
On military matters, Trump said the United States currently possesses the most powerful armed forces in the world.
The president also highlighted the creation of the Space Force during his first term, saying the space sector is gaining strategic importance for national defence.
Turning to foreign policy, Trump spoke about Venezuela and Iran, presenting a series of alleged military and strategic achievements by his administration.
According to Trump, Iran had suffered major losses to its military capability, including the destruction of radar equipment, intelligence systems, aircraft, ships and a significant part of its missile and drone production capacity.
Trump also criticised news coverage that, in his view, presented an overly positive picture of Iran's economic and military situation, describing some media outlets as "fake news" and accusing them of downplaying his administration's achievements.
"America is back"
Concluding his speech, Trump said that in just 18 months his administration had profoundly transformed the United States.
According to Donald Trump, the border is more secure, jobs have increased, inflation has fallen, investment is growing, new factories are being built and the armed forces are stronger.
"America is back, and our greatest victories are still to come," Trump said, defending his "America First" policy.
The president also recalled a conversation he said he had with the King of Saudi Arabia. According to Trump, the monarch told him the United States had been seen as a nation in decline before his return to the White House, but was later regarded as one of the most influential nations in the world.
Throughout the speech, Trump sought to present economic results, job creation, border security, tax cuts and foreign policy as examples of what he considers the key successes of his administration.
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