2nd LD: Trump rolls out "America First" agenda in first Congress speech after inauguration
Xinhua, March 1, 2017 Adjust font size:
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday night rolled out his "America First" agenda over his four-year presidency in his first speech at a joint session of Congress since inauguration.
He started the address by condemning recent threats targeting Jewish community centers and last week's radical motivated shooting of two Indian men in Kansas City, calling on the country to be united "in condemning hate and evil in all its forms."
He then rolled out his "America First" agenda, trying to paint "a new surge of optimism" by describing what he has done in his first month in the White House and repeating what he will do as he promised on his campaign trail.
Addressing the joint session of lawmakers, Trump vowed again he will repeal and replace Obamacare "with better healthcare," carry out tax reform "that will reduce the tax rate" on U.S. companies, rebuild infrastructure, and strengthen inner cities' public safety
On immigration policy, Trump said his administration is to introduce new merit-based immigration system to curb new arrivals and reduce the flow of low-skilled workers into America.
He also vowed to take strong actions against terrorism and promised to "strongly support NATO."
"Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead," said Trump.
However, his job is not to represent the world, said the newly-inaugurated U.S. president, stressing his agenda is to put "America First."
The speech isn't an official State of the Union, which will come next year. Endi