President Trump delivers third State of the Union Address
Reaction to speech divided sharply along party lines - NBC News' Alice Barr reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY/NBC News) - President Donald Trump delivered his annual State of the Union Address to a deeply divided Congress Tuesday night.
The speech comes on the eve of a final verdict in Trump's impeachment trial.
The speech was peppered with memorable moments and a few snubs.
President Trump stepped into history as just the second American President to deliver a State of the Union Address to Congress while under the cloud of an impeachment trial.
The President and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi barely made eye contact, and they did not shake hands.
Trump's all but certain to be acquitted in a final vote Wednesday. On Tuesday night he looked past impeachment.
"The state of our union is stronger than ever before." the Presidednt said.
The President pointed to job growth and a booming stock market as cornerstones of a strong economy. He highlighted a new trade deal with China, and a campaign promise deliver - renegotiating NAFTA.
"Unlike so many who came before me, I KEEP MY PROMISES, we did our job."
On foreign policy, President Trump said directing the killings of the leader of ISIS and a top Iranian general have made the world safer.
"Our message to the terrorists is clear: You will never escape American justice."
The President also touted his record on immigration.
"A long, tall and very strong wall is being built."
And he took a swipe at the Democratic Candidates he'll face in his re-election bid.
"We will never let socialism destroy American healthcare!"
The President saluted the family of a soldier serving in Afghanistan, and in a dramatic reveal, brought him out to reunite with his wife and kids.
He also interrupted the speech to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh - just diagnosed with stage four cancer.
It was a polarizing moment, in a visibly divided room, that at times took on the feel of a campaign rally for Republicans.
"Four more years!" Republicans chanted.
It also became a protest for Democrats. The address ended with the Speaker tearing up Trump's speech.
