WASHINGTON, Feb 5 — Only hours before his expected acquittal on impeachment charges, US President Donald Trump prepared to go face to face with his accusers and defenders in Congress, ridiculing Democratic healthcare proposals and touting the US economy.
Verbal fireworks were possible during what was expected to be a speech lasting longer than an hour.
“We will never let socialism destroy American healthcare!” Trump was due to say in his 9pm EST speech, according to excerpts released by the White House.
Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have proposed healthcare plans that would be entirely run by the government, a sharp departure from the current, private system in which millions of Americans get medical insurance from their employers.
Trump’s lack of a healthcare plan, however, has left him open to criticism that he has not put enough work into finding a way to reduce rising insurance costs that burden middle-class Americans.
Trump’s appearance in the chamber of the US House of Representatives will put him face-to-face with House Democratic lawmakers who approved articles of impeachment against him in December. The Republican-led Senate is expected to acquit the Republican president of the charges today.
The speech excerpts made no mention of the controversy. Instead, Trump was to offer an upbeat portrayal of his presidency in hopes of persuading Americans to give him another four-year term in the November 3 election.
“In just three short years, we have shattered the mentality of American Decline and we have rejected the downsizing of America’s destiny. We are moving forward at a pace that was unimaginable just a short time ago, and we are never going back!” Trump was due to say, according to the excerpts.
He said his vision “demonstrates how we are building the world’s most prosperous and inclusive society — one where every citizen can join in America’s unparalleled success, and where every community can take part in America’s extraordinary rise.” — Reuters
