Donald Trump brought the “reality show” style to the State of the Union address, with decorations, surprise guests and emotional moments that drew bipartisan applause in a speech marked by political division
Donald Trump’s origins as a reality TV star shined through during his State of the Union address, as he punctuated political announcements with surprise guests, decorations and other moments that highlighted his understanding of what makes a good show.
During the nearly two-hour speech, Trump recognized American heroes at moments that received bipartisan support, in a speech that otherwise would have been quite divisive:
Royce Williams, 100-year-old Korean War veteran and Navy fighter pilot, received the Medal of Honor from First Lady Melania Trump.
Captain Royce Williams, a Navy pilot in World War II, gestures after First Lady Melania Trump presents him with the Congressional Medal of Honor (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Warrant Officer Eric Slover, who was involved in Trump’s operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, also received a Medal of Honor.
U.S. Army Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives the Medal of Honor. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Trump presided over a moving family reunion for Enrique Márquez, a man held as a political prisoner by the Maduro regime.
“Alejandra, I am pleased to inform you that your uncle has not only been released, but is also here tonight! We brought him to celebrate his freedom with you in person. Enrique, please come down!”, said Trump, his voice raised with joy.
Trump honored U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan, responsible for saving 165 people during deadly floods in central Texas last summer, with a Legion of Merit medal.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan and Milly Cate McClymond, a camper from Camp Mystic. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Trump also surprised the audience with the appearance of the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team: “Here with us tonight is a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud: the Olympic gold medal men’s hockey team. You can join.”
In a dramatic entrance, the athletes arrived at the House of Representatives through two double doors in the press gallery and received a standing ovation from Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Trump later announced that goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
