Our Rebuttal to President Trump's First Address to Congress

On February 28th, Donald Trump gave what some in the media are calling his most "Presidential" address, but we're confused. All he did was communicate the same hateful agenda in a softer voice.

As the New York Times reports, "Why the sudden shift? Numbers. Mr. Trump’s approval rating is the worst for any new president in recorded history — between 38 and 50 percent at a time when many presidents are in the 60s."

In fact, the Trump team is so happy with his performance last night, they decided to post-pone the signing of Muslim Ban 2.0—to let it have its own "moment."

Here's a breakdown of key moments in Trump's speech, including analysis from progressive leaders, activists, and organizations across the country who are defending the most vulnerable communities and our democracy.

WHY PUNDIT PRAISE IS DANGEROUS 

 

ON ANTISEMITISM

Just 5 hours before starting his address with a condemnation of antisemitism, Trump suggested the recent bomb threats at JCCs across the county could be “the reverse, to make people—or to make others—look bad." 


Yes, Trump said some nice words, but they are empty without any specifics about how to implement them. "While we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms." Great! We'd love to hear how his administration is taking action. (Besides blaming his opponents.)


Please, please remember: White supremacists are attacking our communities and desecrating our holy places in a way they didn’t before Trump's campaign.


Including mosques, which Trump did not mention during his speech:

 

ON IMMIGRATION & REFUGEES

Just to be clear on the facts first ...


Trump's policy proposal? A new agency called VOICE—Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement—and plans to publish a weekly list of crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants living in sanctuary cities.

Sound familiar? We've seen this before.

 

ON CIVIL RIGHTS

After invoking African American History Month, Trump commented on the work that's left to do on civil rights. Interesting, given that his selection for Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, just pulled the DOJ out of a voting rights case in Texas.

 

ON HEALTHCARE

 

ON THE ENVIRONMENT

 

ON SPENDING

 

JOIN US

If Trump won't take action, we're calling on Congress to use the powers they have to challenge white supremacy, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism in the White House.

 

WHY BANNON?

 

REMEMBER