Congressional Republicans said they expect President Donald Trump to reflect on the GOP’s successes and present a plan to address the nation’s pressing issues during his State of the Union speech Tuesday evening.
House GOP lawmakers said they have largely been happy with the Trump’s job performance over the course of his first year in office.
“You know, I hope he asked that question, ‘Do you think that you’re better off today than you were two years ago and really get people to reflect on where we were two years ago compared to where we are today,” House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers told The Daily Caller. “I’m looking forward to him celebrating this record of success that we’ve had and the opportunity to do more.”
Rep. Barry Loudermilk noted the positive response Trump received after his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, telling TheDC he thinks his policy decisions will have a positive impact on world economy. The Georgia Republican said that while critics have been hard on Trump’s statements, they’ve overlooked his accomplishments.
“I think he’s had a phenomenal year — it definitely had some challenges, but his challenges are there because the Washington insiders are trying to put a round peg in a square hole and he’s not a square peg, you know, he’s different,” Loudermilk said. “And so I think his challenges, or what many perceive as issues with him, are strengths to a lot of the American people.”
House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows, who has as close working relationship with the president, said he’s confident Trump’s speech will resonate with those who elected him.
“I didn’t speak to this president about any content within his speech, but I certainly wished him all the best and encouraged him to speak from his heart and speak to the American people — he’s pretty good at doing that,” Meadows told TheDC.
Trump is expected to discuss plans for infrastructure, immigration and strengthening the military.
“I think it will be more of a bipartisan initiative in terms of going forward,” Meadows said. “But I think it will also be an acknowledgment of the successes that we’ve had in the past.”