As White House officials promised, Trump's first State of the Union address has so far been fairly conventional and uplifting, avoiding the personal attacks Trump frequently launches at his critics. Nonetheless, much of the applause in the House chamber has been one-sided, with many Democrats refusing to clap, even when Trump mentioned the effects of his tax plan and elimination of regulations.
Most African-American members of Congress in the House chamber appeared to stay seated, as Trump said, "African-American unemployment stands at the lowest rate ever recorded." Trump's approval rating among African-Americans was at 15 percent in December, according to a SurveyMonkey poll.
To applause, Trump introduces Congressman Steve Scalise, a U.S. congressman from Louisiana who was among four people shot last year during a Republican congressional baseball practice.
On the day of the shooting, Trump says, “We came together, not as Republicans or Democrats but as representatives of the people.”
Trump calls on lawmakers to “set aside our differences” and find common ground.
Beginning his address, Donald Trump sums up what he sees as the accomplishments of his first year in office. He says his administration has moved forward with a "clear vision and righteous mission to make American great again for all Americans."