From the Office of Senator John Curtis
Washington, D.C. – In a video message, U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) shared his thoughts on President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress this evening.
A transcript of the Senator’s remarks can be found below, and the video file can be downloaded here.
Okay, here I am in the basement of the Russell Office Building, and I can’t help but share some thoughts that maybe you’re all thinking tonight, or that I hope you’re thinking.
First of all, let me lay the groundwork. What the President is doing on the border is incredibly important, and I think most of America stands with him and wants to see that fixed.
What the President wants to do with the economy is so important. We must bring down the cost of goods—what you’re spending at the grocery store. We know it is too much.
What the President wants to do with peace is something that we can all agree on: we want peace.
Now, if you’re like me, and like most of America, you still have some angst about what’s happening here in Washington. It’s a bumpy road. And I want to just point out that it was only just a few weeks ago when the President took office, that we were ready for hard things. And now I feel like, in many ways, everybody’s feeling the pain of those hard things and is questioning them.
I can’t tell you how many times a day I hear “Why won’t Congress show some backbone? Why doesn’t the president do his job?” If we’re honest, half the country demanded accountability for President Biden. And now the other half demands accountability for President Trump. But here’s the truth: no one in elected office put themselves there. You and me, the American voters did it. And whether you love them or loathe them, those we elect are more a reflection of our collective values, our choices, and the direction of this country than we’re willing to admit.
If we want better leadership, we have to rebuild from the bottom, not just in ways that expose the flaws at the top, but in ways that challenge us to be the best versions of ourselves. Let’s face it, the real problem isn’t just in Washington. It’s in our homes, our communities, and our priorities. If we want to impact the presidency, we need to take a hard look at our own culture, community, and those around us.
If we want stronger leadership, we need stronger families. That starts at the dinner table, if we even have family dinners anymore. Dinner isn’t just a meal; it’s a time to check in to understand what each other is thinking and talking about in our world.
If we want more honesty in government, we need more truth in our daily lives. If we want integrity from our leaders, we need to expect integrity from ourselves, our businesses, our schools, and yes, even our entertainment. If we want stronger communities, we must build better relationships.
Now, you get where this is going. We have a lot of work to do in this country, and it’s not fair to only look to Washington to fix it. Yes, we have our responsibilities here. Yes, we can do better. I’m challenging all of us throughout all society to lift the bar, expect more from ourselves, and be the best version of ourselves.
7 comments
Wayne Morris
I am a lifelong Republican who did not vote for Trump — or Harris in the last election. Can’t the two political parties find better candidates to field for president?
Trump does some good things and then lessens them with spurious and denigrating remarks. Much of his behavior is disgusting.
As to the national debt, any savings from reducing waste, fraud and abuse should go towards reducing the debt.
While I am on that subject how about trying to eliminate earmarks from major spending programs? If a spending project cannot stand on its own merits it should not be approved.
I enjoy reading your weekly newsletter. Keep it up!
Wayne Morris
Fred Sanders
Your comments on the President’s speech support a bunch of lies and disregard for the impact of heinous acts on ordinary Americans.
Sylvia J Wilcox
I watched the video. Trump was the one who was yelling. Vance was the one who initially interrupted Zelensky, in a very disrespectful tone while accusing him of being disrespectful. Those two men are arrogant and hypocrital. They are an embarrassment to this country.
Our congressional leaders should speak out about the normalization by this president of name-calling and denigrating others. He has made it normal and acceptable. Many of us are disgusted by it; yet our Republican congress members let it slide. Even Senator Curtis. Sad that so many are too intimidated to object to the deplorable behavior of Trump and Vance.
Finally, I find it mind boggling that no one seems to notice that Zelensky is trying very hard to speak English. His interpreters should have helped him out. Where’s the empathy and respect for him – making a sincere effort to speak our language? And coming down on him because he wasn’t wearing a suit? Anyone paying attention these past 3 years knows why he wears what he wears – what it symbolizes! The behavior of all of those “suits” is appalling!
Finally, how could this Administration join Russia and North Korea to vote against a resolution at the UN condemning Russia for invading Ukraine in the war!? A tactic to keep Putin appeased in hopes of having a chance at negotiating? It doesn’t matter – the end does not justify the means. This was another deplorable action showing moral weakness by this Administration.
Brian Buck
So much that is wrong with our current politics in this country could be improved if the politicians just considered the same four-way test as does anyone who is a member of Rotary worldwide:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Just thinking and hoping. We can all do better.
Doug Rex
You didn’t respond to many flaws in the President’s speech 🙁
He consistently lied and obfuscated the Truth.
It’s absolutely ridicules that we (The U.S.) should threaten Greenland and Canada about taking over their sovereign countries. Who is he planning to pay for these added territories.
T’s approach to Ukraine is shameful and shameless. He treated Zelensky horribly at the WH meeting. To be fair he should bring Putin there with the same treatment. T has damaged the U.S. reputation as the international defender of Democracy. Almost irreparably.
Yet not a peep from republican members of congress to rein in this megalomaniac. Shame Shame
Pam Jones
None of your points is accurate. The President made OFFERS not threats about Greenland. It is a territory of Denmark. Annexation of Canada is something comedians joke about. Trump wants to end the bloodshed over Ukraine. Don’t you? Zelensky was the rude one, but the offer is still open. The Republicans — most of the U.S. — are applauding Trump’s moves. He truly loves the USA and knows how to make deals to improve our country and the world. Pay attention!
Celeste Meyeres
I agree! Well said, Senator Curtis