In his first State of the Union Address, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday touted his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, accusing countries that tried to undercut this move of being ungrateful for American assistance.
"I recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Shortly afterwards, dozens of countries voted in the United Nations General Assembly against America's sovereign right to make this decision," he said.
"In 2016, American taxpayers generously sent those same countries more than $20 billion in aid. That is why tonight I am asking Congress to pass legislation to help ensure American foreign assistance dollars always serve American interests and only go to friends of America, not enemies of America."
Trump reiterated his pledge to rectify "the fundamental flaws in the terrible Iran nuclear deal," referring to the 2015 agreement between Iran and world powers, so as to address Iran's aggressive behavior in the region.
He also said he would continue to support Iranian protesters in their attempt to bring about reform in the Islamic republic.
"As we strengthen friendships all around the world, we are also restoring clarity about our adversaries. When the people of Iran rose up against the crimes of their corrupt dictatorship, I did not stay silent. America stands with the people of Iran in their courageous struggle for freedom," he said.
Trump also warned that the U.S. would not tolerate North Korea's continued defiance of the international community through missile tests and the advancement of its nuclear program.
"No regime has oppressed its own citizens more totally or brutally than the cruel dictatorship in North Korea," he said.
"North Korea's reckless pursuit of nuclear missiles could very soon threaten our homeland. We are waging a campaign of maximum pressure to prevent that from ever happening. Past experience has taught us that complacency and concessions only invite aggression and provocation. I will not repeat the mistakes of past administrations that got us into this very dangerous position."
A central theme of Trump's address was the renewed optimism under his watch, noting gains in the economy since he took office in January 2017.
"Small-business confidence is at an all-time high," he said. "The stock market has smashed one record after another, gaining $8 trillion and more in value in just this short period of time. The great news for Americans: 401K, retirement, pension, and college savings accounts have gone through the roof."
