We’ve made it one full rotation around the sun—one depressing, tumultuous, frightening, and exhausting year—since Donald Trump exceeded many of our expectations and actually won the Presidential election. The Donald has managed to jam pack a lot into the last twelve months, and so we’re taking the solemn anniversary of his victory speech to break down how much of it can be confirmed one year in (only three more to go!).
We’ve made it one full rotation around the sun—one depressing, tumultuous, frightening, and exhausting year—since Donald Trump exceeded many of our expectations and actually won the Presidential election. The Donald has managed to jam pack a lot into the last twelve months, and so we’re taking the solemn anniversary of his victory speech to break down how much of it can be confirmed one year in (only three more to go!).
Shortly after reports that Hillary Clinton had conceded the presidential race to him, Donald Trump addressed an enthusiastic crowd at his victory party at the New York Hilton Hotel.
His vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence spoke first. "This is a historic night," he said. "The American people...have elected their new champion."
"I come to this moment deeply humbled, grateful to God for his amazing grace," he continued, before thanking his family and the American people. "I'm mostly grateful to our President-elect, whose vision and leadership will make America great again," he said. Pence then introduced Trump.
President Trump started out thanking Hillary for her service to the country and saying that it was time for the country to "come together as one united people."
"I pledge that I will be president for all Americans," he said. He talked about "reaching out" to people who hadn't supported him in the past, before praising those who did.
"It's a movement comprised of Americans...who want and expect our government to serve the people, and serve the people it will... I've spent my entire life in business looking at the untapped potential of projects and people all over the world. That is what I want to do for our country... The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer."
The Verdict: Donald Trump kicked off his first week in office by isolating immigrants, refugees, and Muslims with a series of executive actions that took steps to prevent immigration and travel from majority-Muslim countries. In the following months, he’s the actual worst in doing anything beneficial for just about anybody, let alone bringing together the country. He’s basically shown service and support for no one but legitimate Neo-Nazis. One united people? Nah.
He discussed rebuilding "inner cities" and infrastructure, as well as "taking care of our great veterans." "We will embark upon a project of national growth and renewal," he continued.
The Verdict: TBD. For infrastructure and vets, this has shown to be only talk. His promises for a trillion-dollar infrastructure plan have fizzled out of conversations, and the only significant structural change he’s made is displacing native people by approving the Dakota Access and Keystone Pipelines. Veterans were given the whole month of November in recognition, but not much else that can actually benefit their lives.
He spoke of doubling economic growth, while talking somewhat ominously of "getting along with all other nations willing to get along with us... While we will always put America's interests first, we will deal fairly with everyone."
The Verdict: Economy-wise, dude’s inherited the good work of former President Obama, and has been able to piggyback off of it and give himself a little pat on the back for a job well done. And as far as getting along with other nations and dealing fairly? Ha, ha, and ha.
Trump then thanked his family, including his deceased parents, who he said were "looking down" on the occasion. He also shouted out his frequent surrogates Rudy Giuliani, Chris Christie, and Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions. In the wide-ranging speech, he continued thanking the Secret Service, NYC police, and even pulled RNC head Reince Preibus onstage for a brief second.
"Hopefully, you'll be so proud of your president," he concluded. "I love this country. Thank you."
The Verdict: Not proud yet.
