President Donald Trump may have had his finest moment as leader of the United States on Tuesday night when he delivered one of the most talked-about State of the Union addresses in recent memory.
The annual speech — the third of Trump’s presidency — had a little bit of everything for every American, perfectly highlighting GOP accomplishments while capturing the country’s spirit, resolve, and determination during his tenure.
Speaking in the same House chamber where he was impeached months ago, Trump eschewed any mention of the failed coup, staying on topic and laying out a conservative agenda ahead of the 2020 elections.
Trump also delivered must-see TV moments, including reuniting a soldier with his family, awarding a nine-year-old girl with a scholarship, and presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to long-time conservative radio icon Rush Limbaugh.
While the address captivated many, there were many detractors — including those in attendance — who refused to cheer the progress made in America. Here are some of the biggest reactions from Florida lawmakers.
Thank you @realDonaldTrump for inviting and recognizing #Venezuela’s rightful President @jguaido at tonight’s #SOTU!
“Socialism destroys nations. But always remember, freedom unifies the soul.” Well said! We stand with the people of Venezuela! 🇻🇪
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) February 5, 2020
“In America, we celebrate faith. We cherish religion. We lift our voices in prayer. And we raise our sights to the glory of God.” – @realdonaldtrump #SOTU #StateOfTheUnion pic.twitter.com/hyIxhLxHmI
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) February 5, 2020
President Trump’s speech tonight hit all the right points, laying out a pro-growth economic agenda and a call for bipartisan unity. I look forward to working with the administration and members of Congress from both parties to continue moving the country forward. #SOTU2020
— Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) February 5, 2020
Great @RealDonaldTrump took a stand for school choice by highlighting Janiyah Davis and the federal tax credit scholarship. Janiyah is one of many kids who have fallen victim by the attacks on school choice by special interests, leaving children waitlisted. #ITrustParents #SOTU pic.twitter.com/s3hBUvbhva
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) February 5, 2020
MAGA pic.twitter.com/T3jTPhWJv0
— Anthony Sabatini (@AnthonySabatini) February 5, 2020
But not every official in Florida thought highly of Trump’s address. Many in the Sunshine State believed the president did little to nothing to address key issues, with the majority condemning Trump for “pandering to his base.”
Instead of laying out a plan to take action on issues on which the vast majority of Americans agree, the president used tonight to mislead the American public and pander to his political base. #SOTU
Full statement ➡️https://t.co/ENDEzGkvtq pic.twitter.com/sYA9YVFXmd
— Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (@RepDMP) February 5, 2020
We’re 35 days into 2020 and there have been at least 28 mass shootings.
Yet not a word from the president about gun violence.
— Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) February 5, 2020
Americans are tired of gridlock. @POTUS failed to rise above partisan rhetoric that has blocked bipartisan cooperation to end gun violence, fight climate change, & lower Rx drug costs. The president must work with both parties to deliver results for the American people. #flapol
— Rep. Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) February 5, 2020
Presenting a bigot a Presidential Medal of Freedom epitomizes how sad and scary our #StateOfTheUnion truly is!
— Rep Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) February 5, 2020
My statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address – pic.twitter.com/1udHqLJQRE
— Alcee L. Hastings (@RepHastingsFL) February 5, 2020
Some on the political left even praised House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her childish antics.
GIRL. 👀 https://t.co/8ZESv4Ulpz
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) February 5, 2020
Following the speech, Pelosi visibly ripped up a draft of Trump’s speech. When asked why she did it, Pelosi had an interesting response.
“It was the courteous thing to do considering the alternative,” she said as she exited the chamber.
The disgusting act did not go over well with Florida Senator Rick Scott.
.@SpeakerPelosi tore up @realDonaldTrump’s #SOTU speech.
You want to know why?
Because the speeech described an America that is on the move and is ready to re-elect President Trump! 🇺🇸
If I were a Democrat, I’d want to pretend that speech didn’t happen too. #PettyPelosi
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) February 5, 2020
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