President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his actions during the Capitol riot five years ago, joked about being liberal-minded to win the votes of transgender people and mocked a predecessor’s use of a wheelchair while delivering a meandering speech to House Republicans as the party enters a critical election year facing a razor-thin majority in the House.
The remarks were intended to ensure both the GOP’s executive and legislative wings are aligned on their agenda heading into the November midterms that will determine party control of Congress. But Trump spent more time airing his grievances in the lengthy appearance than he did about the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolas Maduro or specific steps he’s taking to bring down prices with polls showing inflation as the public’s top concern.
The president also did not discuss new policy initiatives or legislation on his agenda for the year.
Read this story now for free
To continue reading, sign up for our newsletter and get unlimited access to WABE.org
You can select your preferences for news and local content. We will never share your email address. Learn how your newsletter sign-up will support WABE and Public Media
