To cheers in Reno, Trump renews call for unity

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A day after an angry, fiery political speech in Phoenix, President Donald Trump again called for unity and national healing in a speech to veterans at the American Legion. (Aug. 23)
AP

RENO, Nev. — In a measured 20-minute speech that deviated little from his prepared remarks, President Donald Trump told the American Legion that they serve as a model for “the bonds of loyalty” that are needed for the country to find unity again.

“We are here to draw inspiration from you as we seek to renew the bonds of loyalty that bind us together as one people and one nation,” Trump said at the Legion’s national convention in Reno. “Those who wear the nation’s uniform come from all different backgrounds and every single walk of life. They are all united by shared values and a shared sense of duty.”

His speech sought to strike a chord of unity as well as tout the achievements he believes his administration has made for veterans. He also resurrected some of the themes of his campaign — being tough on crime and terrorism, boosting American manufacturing and rebuilding the country’s infrastructure.

Trump touted reduced wait times at Veteran’s Administration hospitals and a new law that allows the administration to more easily terminate employees.

“If somebody who works at the VA is bad to the people at the VA, disrespects them, is not treating our fellow patriots well, we look at them and we say, ‘You’re fired.’

“They don’t do a good job, they’re out,” he said.

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Reno police separate Trump supporters and 100 sign-waving, chanting activists protesting the president’s visit. (Aug. 23)
AP

Trump also reiterated the promises he made in a Monday speech that laid out his strategy for the war in Afghanistan.

“We will pursue an honorable and enduring outcome in Afghanistan that is worthy of the sacrifices our troops have already made,” Trump said.

The crowd of about 9,000 members of the country’s largest wartime veteran associations interrupted Trump several times with applause and cheers. After Trump signed legislation that will speed up disability appeals, a man shouted: “Thank you, President Trump!”

Near the end of his address, Trump recognized Medal of Honor Recipient Donald Ballard and briefly handed the microphone over to the Kansas veteran.

“I believe we have elected the right leader,” Ballard said to loud applause.

“See, that’s very risky of him,” Trump responded. “That could’ve ruined my whole day if you had gotten up and said the opposite. Thank you. That was very risky.”

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Following the speech, Trump signed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act, which aims to streamline the process for appeals for veterans appealing their claims for disability benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Reno police estimate between 400 and 500 anti-Trump protesters and about 25 pro-Trump supporters were outside the Reno-Sparks Convention Center before and during the speech.

 

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