President Trump’s State of the Union address was a winner — and his administration has been one, too

On Trump’s presidency

President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda has ushered in a Great American Comeback— and here are just some of his achievements:

▪ Our economy is on fire, and it is only continuing to roar: we’re talking 7.3 million jobs created and a 50-year low unemployment rate since the 2016 election (including a historically low 2.3% unemployment rate in South Carolina).

▪ The United States is a leader on the world stage with our trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, as well as the new trade deal with China.

▪ The president’s devotion to an American energy renaissance has allowed us to achieve long-lasting energy dominance that will help not only us, but also our allies as well.

▪ The president has worked tirelessly to lower the cost of health care for Americans, including the costs for prescription drugs.

▪ Our nation’s illegal immigration numbers have fallen because of the president’s strong hand in forcing Mexico to step up their enforcement efforts. The president also promised a wall along our weak southern border — and a wall is what we’re getting!

▪ Two of the world’s deadliest terrorists — Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Qassem Soleimani — have been lawfully and decisively taken out under the orders of our commander in chief. President Trump has always made America’s national security the top priority, and that’s why we have the most powerful military force in the world.

And the list goes on. Talk about promises made, promises kept!

The president’s State of the Union address earlier this week was nothing short of strong and visionary; it recalled our success thus far while also looking toward the success of the future.

I am proud to have a president who puts the United States of America first every step of the way — and one who has truly made the American people’s priorities his own. And it is because of the president’s focus on America and Americans that we are now witnessing a historic Great American Comeback!

U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan, Laurens

Duncan represents the 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House.

On gun control

A recent letter writer stated that gun laws reduce crime, but I don’t agree; in reality gun control simply ensures that bad guys have helpless victims.

I have been a victim of gun crime, and I can assure you that “gun control” was not the faintest bit of help to me.

Danny House, West Columbia

On Trump’s speech

There has been much discussion about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripping up her copy of President Donald Trump’s speech during Trump’s State of the Union address. But at least Pelosi did not yell out “You lie” while Trump was in the middle of addressing the nation.

That deed will forever belong to one of our state’s congressmen, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, and his outburst during a speech by former President Barack Obama in 2009.

Elizabeth Jones, Columbia

This story was originally published February 6, 2020 at 9:00 AM.