Trump: We Stand United in ‘Condemning Hate and Evil’

President Donald Trump used the opening lines of his address to the joint session of Congress Tuesday evening to stand unequivocally with the Jewish people and strongly condemn “hate and evil in all its forms.”

Going far back into election season, many liberals have attempted to label Trump as anti-Semitic and racist. In recent weeks, his political opponents have alleged he hadn’t condemned a recent string of vandalism and threats targeting Jewish communities strongly enough. Using the opening of his first address to a joint session of Congress to put those concerns to rest, Trump emphatically decried the actions of those motivated by hatred and intolerance.

“While we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.”

“Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our nation’s path toward civil rights and the work that still remains,” Trump said in his opening sentence. “Recent threats targeting Jewish community centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week’s shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.”

Exactly one week before the speech, Trump came out strongly and directly against anti-Semitism, saying, “The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil.”

The president echoed those sentiments Tuesday evening.

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Seeking to strike a unifying tone in his rallying cry, the president called upon all Americans to uphold their patriotic values and continue to pass the traditional “torch of truth, liberty, and justice” down to future generations.

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“That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world,” Trump said. “I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart.”

There is no room in this country for division and intolerance, Trump said, as he asked the people to find “common ground” to “advance the common good” and extend graciousness to one another.

“A new chapter of American greatness is now beginning. A new national pride is sweeping across our nation. And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp,” Trump said. “What we are witnessing today is the renewal of the American spirit. All the nations of the world — friend or foe — will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.”