State of the Union 2018: Trump to herald 'new American moment'

The White House has released excerpts of the President's speech ahead of the main event

In his first official State of the Union address, President Donald Trump is expected to herald the start of a “new American moment” by recounting his past accomplishments and laying out his vision for the future.

Excerpts released ahead of Mr Trump’s speech show the President will push the idea that “there has never been a better time to start living the American dream”.

“We want every American to know the dignity of a hard day’s work; we want every child to be safe in their home at night, and we want every citizen to be proud of this land that we love,” one excerpt reads.

As expected, Mr Trump will tout his legislative accomplishments – namely, passing a massive tax overhaul bill – while skipping over failures, such as the GOP’s ill-fated attempt to repeal Obamacare.

He is not expected to mention climate change, but will boast that he has ended the “war on American energy” and “war on clean coal,” and made America an energy exporter.

In contrast with his dark inaugural speech last year – in which he spoke of crime, and drugs, and “American carnage” – Mr Trump’s State of the Union appears to strike a unifying tone. The President will refer to Americans as “one team, one people,” and promise to extend “an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, colour, and creed”.

In a likely reference to North Korea, Mr Trump will argue against “complacency and concessions” to enemies. The President has taken a much more aggressive tone in dealing with North Korea than previous administrations – something he will note towards the end of his speech.

“I will not repeat the mistakes of the past Administrations that got us into this dangerous position,” he is expected to say.