Rebuilding top priority

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has pledged to bring a trillion dollars (R13-trillion) in public and private investment to rebuild what he called America’s crumbling infrastructure.

Trump made the promise in a high-stakes speech to a joint session of Congress, moving to make good on one of his main campaign pledges – rebuilding America’s public structures.

“To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1-trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States – financed through both public and private capital – creating millions of new jobs,” Trump said.

He gave no details on how the money would be spent.

Trump said the US had spent six trillion dollars (R78-trillion) in the Middle East – he did not say on what or over what time period – while US infrastructure deteriorated.

“With this six trillion dollars we could have rebuilt our country – twice. And maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negot Trump said, reiterating that his new administration would be better than previous ones at defending US interests when making deals.

Again without giving details, Trump promised to introduce a “historic” tax reform.

He said he would cut corporate taxes on US companies “so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone”.

“At the same time, we will provide massive tax relief for the middle class.”

He also repeated a promise to impose taxes on imports of foreign products so as to protect US industry.

“When we ship products out of America many countries make us pay high tariffs and taxes – but when foreign companies ship their products into America, we charge them almost nothing,” Trump said.

“I believe strongly in free trade but it also has to be fair trade.” — AFP