On January 30th, President Donald Trump delivered his first annual State of the Union address as per tradition for the president starting on the first year into their first term in office. During the State of the Union, President Trump spoke on a variety of topics dealing with his presidency and the government, including the economy, immigration, jobs, and national security.

“Tonight, I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens of every background, color, religion, and creed. Tonight, I call upon all of us to set aside our differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity we need to deliver for the people we were elected to serve.” President Trump said, speaking to both Democrats and Republicans.

Regarding immigration, President Trump spoke regarding the recent attempts to compromise between Democrats and Republicans and different issues in the category of immigration, including reforming DACA and funding for the border wall across the America-Mexico border, both of which have been on the minds of both political parties.

“We presented the Congress with a detailed proposal that should be supported by both parties as a fair compromise–one where nobody gets everything they want, but where our country gets the critical reforms it needs and must have,” President Trump said during the State of the Union. President Trump emphasized putting America first, saying “[My] highest loyalty, my greatest compassion, and my constant concern is for America’s children, America’s struggling workers, and America’s forgotten communities.”

Trump also brought up North Korea and the growing tensions with the country, discussing the risk that North Korea poses against America and the possibility of nuclear threats.

“We are waging a campaign of maximum pressure to prevent that from happening. Past experience has taught us that complacency and concessions only invite aggression and provocation.  I will not repeat the mistakes of past administrations that got us into this dangerous position.” Trump said.

When discussing North Korea, President Trump recognized the parents of Otto Warmbier, an American student who was tortured and killed by the North Korean regime, both of which were present at the State of the Union.

Trump noted North Korean dissident Ji Seong-Ho, who was also present at the State of the Union, and who proceeded to, in a symbolic way, hold up his crutches when addressed by the president.

“One day he tried to steal coal from a railroad car to barter for a few scraps of food, which were very hard to get. In the process, he passed out on the train tracks, exhausted from hunger. He woke up as a train ran over his limbs. He then endured multiple amputations without anything to dull the pain or the hurt. His brother and sister gave what little food they had to help him recover and ate dirt, themselves, permanently stunting their own growth.” Trump said, telling Seong-Ho’s story.

“Later he was tortured by North Korean authorities after returning from a brief visit to China. His tormentors wanted to know if he’d met any Christians. He had and he resolved after that to be free. Seong-ho traveled thousands of miles on crutches all across China and southeast Asia to freedom. Most of his family followed. His father was caught trying to escape and was tortured to death. Today, he lives in Seoul, where he rescues other defectors and broadcasts into North Korea what the regime fears most. The truth. Today, he has a new leg, but Seong-Ho, I understand you still keep those old crutches as a reminder of how far you have come. Your great sacrifice is an inspiration to us all. Please. Thank you.” Trump concluded.