President Donald J. Trump took the stage at the Port of Corpus Christi on Feb. 27 to deliver remarks on American Energy Dominance, his economic agenda and foreign policy. Those gathered for the event had no indication that he had approved military action involving Iran only moments earlier.
While his remarks only briefly addressed Iran, Trump told the crowd, “We’ve got big decisions to make.” Referring to the deaths of protesters in the country and negotiations that he said must produce a “meaningful deal,” he added, “We would rather do it the peaceful way.” As he spoke, plans were already underway for what would become an intense strike on Iran.
The Progress/South Texas News attended the event after receiving an invitation from the White House. Gov. Greg Abbott and Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, among other dignitaries, spoke at the event.
The core of Trump’s speech centered on “American Energy Dominance,” a policy of expanded domestic oil and gas production to strengthen economic and national security. Surrounded by oil tankers, including one from Venezuela, and oil transport trucks, Trump revived his familiar refrain, “Drill, baby, drill,” drawing cheers from the crowd.
He touted recent increases in U.S. crude oil and natural gas production, highlighting output that he said has risen significantly under his administration. “Since my inauguration, U.S. oil production is now up by 600,000 barrels a day. Natural gas production is at an all-time record high by far,” Trump said, adding that liquefied natural gas exports are up 37 percent. “We are witnessing an historic American energy boom, like we have never seen before, and this port is right at the center of the action.”
Trump expanded on broader economic themes tied to his “Keep America First” agenda. He highlighted the benefits of tax cuts, declaring that “the average Texas family will save over $4,000 on their taxes,” and adding that in one year the country has gone from the highest inflation to the lowest.
Before he concluded his remarks, he also touched on topics including closing the border to illegal immigration and voter ID. He celebrated his wins, saying, “No one has ever seen a turnaround like this,” adding, “America is respected again.”
Earlier in the day, Gov. Abbott addressed the crowd in support of Trump’s energy policy and border security measures. Support for law enforcement was also a key theme, saying, “We will defund any city that tries to defund our law enforcement.” He highlighted trends that show the crime rate has gone down and the murder rate has dropped by 20%.
Abbott also emphasized that Texas is leading the nation in job creation and the relocation of corporate headquarters, saying, “Texas is the economic engine of the United States.”
Other actions, such as forbidding foreign adversaries from buying land in Texas, designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization and not allowing boys in girls’ sports, drew loud applause from the audience.
The event concluded with Trump thanking supporters, waving to the crowd and doing his celebratory “Trump Dance,” before departing to board Air Force One as plans intensified for action in Iran.