US President Donald Trump has delivered a triumphant State of the Union speech, on the eve of near certain acquittal in his impeachment trial, setting the stage for his re-election bid with a boast of "I keep my promises".
Facing a Democratic party smarting from divisions and a chaotic start to the primaries, Mr Trump was in a buoyant mood heading into to the House of Representatives, where just last December he was impeached for abuse of office.
"Three years ago, we launched the great American comeback. Tonight, I stand before you to share the incredible results," he said.
"We have shattered the mentality of American decline and we have rejected the downsizing of America's destiny."
Mr Trump said his policies of deregulation and tax cuts –slammed by opponents as harming the environment and favouring the wealthy over the poor - were responsible for "unparalleled success" in the economy.
In a note of togetherness to a deeply polarised nation, he did however insist he is "building the world's most prosperous and inclusive society – one where every citizen can join in”.
He listed the North American USMCA trade pact, a trade deal with China, massive military spending, "unprecedented" measures to stop illegal immigration, and his bid to "end America's wars in the Middle East" as examples of fulfilling his commitments to voters.
"Unlike so many who came before me, I keep my promises," Mr Trump told the chamber.
Before he began his speech, Mr Trump stopped to shake hands with several politicians and Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts, who has presided over his impeachment trial.
But the president appeared to snub House speaker Nancy Pelosi, ignoring her outstretched hand after handing her a binder.
Venezuela's Juan Guaido, whose year-long fight to topple leftist leader Nicolas Maduro enjoys US support, also attended the address to Congress.
The opposition leader was spotted in the visitors' gallery by an AFP photographer. The White House in a statement confirmed his attendance, calling Mr Guaido the interim president of Venezuela.
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido waves as President Trump delivers his State of the Union address. Source: AP
Mr Trump later pointed out Mr Guaido.
No impeachment mention
This could have been the darkest week of Mr Trump's administration, with only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history poised to culminate Wednesday with the Senate delivering a verdict.
Mr Trump has for months fulminated against what he calls a "witch hunt" and stonewalling investigators.
But ahead of the speech, the White House flagged that the speech would be "very optimistic”.
The "I" word will not even be pronounced, the White House said.
"I read the speech and the word 'impeachment's' not in it," spokesperson Hogan Gidley told Fox News shortly before the event.
with wires...
