Speechwriters split after Trump’s record-breaking SOTU: ‘Living in his own reality’ vs. ‘Resounding speech’

By Fox News · Fox News

Presidential speechwriters sharply split late Tuesday after President Donald Trump delivered a record-breaking State of the Union address, drawing praise from allies and prompting early exits from some Democrats. During his address, Trump focused on immigration enforcement, economic concerns and global trade issues as he occasionally sparred with Democrats like Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar , who along with fellow Squad member Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan left the chamber early, while Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was booted after waving a sign condemning a recent Trump social media post. Gene Hamilton, a former deputy White House counsel who has written speeches, told Fox News Digital that Trump delivered a "resounding speech" and "could not have been more clear about the current state of our great nation." "A vision of hope, prosperity, and strength, driven by strong borders, a strong economy , and a love of country." DEMOCRATS' 'TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME' ON 'FULL DISPLAY' WITH COUNTER-STATE OF THE UNION EVENTS, JOHNSON SAYS Hamilton said the speech was "juxtaposed" against a swath of the Democratic caucus in the chamber that "wouldn’t even stand for the provision that the government’s first duty ‘is to protect American citizens, not illegal immigrants’." "Donald Trump saved this country with his election in 2024. His administration will keep working every day to deliver real wins for the American people," said Hamilton, who worked in the first Trump administration and now works with America First Legal. On the other side of the political spectrum, former Biden speechwriter Dan Cluchey told Fox News Digital that Trump did "less than zero to dispel the notion that he is living in his own reality." Asked if Trump succeeded in addressing the immigration crisis and affordability criticisms well enough, Cluchey said that while Americans endure "skyrocketing grocery, energy, and health costs, rising unemployment, and an economy that is growing more slowly today than in any y…