Missed Trump’s speech? Here are five takeaways

Trump opened with optimism.

“The golden age of America begins right now,” he declared. “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected.”

It was a far cry from his speech eight years ago, when the Republican painted a dark picture of a wounded American industry and economy taken advantage of by foreign exploitation.

But as Monday’s address progressed, Trump’s tone turned.

The president offered a grim assessment of today’s America, describing a “radical and corrupt establishment” that “cannot manage even a simple crisis at home”, an apparent nod to the wildfires that have been ravaging Los Angeles.

“We will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer,” Trump said.