In Reno, Trump is the uniter again
In a measured 20-minute speech that deviated little from his prepared remarks, President Trump told the American Legion that it serves as a model for “the bonds of loyalty” that are needed for the country to find unity again.
“We are here to draw inspiration from you as we seek to renew the bonds of loyalty that bind us together as one people and one nation,” Trump said at the organization’s national convention in Reno. “Those who wear the nation’s uniform come from all different backgrounds and every single walk of life. They are all united by shared values and a shared sense of duty.”
His speech sought to strike a chord of unity as well as tout the achievements he says his administration has made for veterans.
He also resurrected themes of his campaign — being tough on crime and terrorism, boosting manufacturing and rebuilding the country’s infrastructure.
Trump praised reduced wait times at Veteran’s Administration hospitals and a new law that allows the administration to more easily fire employees.
“If somebody who works at the VA is bad to the people at the VA, disrespects them, is not treating our fellow patriots well ... we say, ‘You’re fired.’ ”
Trump also repeated the promises he made in a speech Monday that laid out his strategy for the war in Afghanistan.
“We will pursue an honorable and enduring outcome in Afghanistan that is worthy of the sacrifices our troops have already made,” Trump said.
The crowd of about 9,000 members of the country’s largest wartime veteran associations interrupted Trump several times with applause and cheers. After Trump signed legislation that would speed up disability appeals, a man shouted: “Thank you, President Trump!”
Near the end of his address, Trump recognized Medal of Honor recipient Donald Ballard and briefly handed the microphone over to the Kansas veteran.
“I believe we have elected the right leader,” Ballard said to loud applause.
“See, that’s very risky of him,” Trump responded. “That could’ve ruined my whole day if you had gotten up and said the opposite. Thank you.”
After the speech, Trump signed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act, which aims to streamline the process for veterans who are appealing their claims for disability benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Reno police estimate that 400 to 500 anti-Trump protesters and about 25 Trump supporters gathered outside the Reno-Sparks Convention Center before and during the speech.