Quote of the day: This is America’s golden age, says Donald Trump

“Less than five months from now, our country will celebrate an epic milestone in American history, the 250th anniversary of our glorious American Independence. This July 4th, we will commemorate two and a half centuries of freedom and victory, progress and freedom for the most incredible and remarkable country to ever walk this earth. What we haven’t seen yet. We will do better and better. This is America’s Golden Age,” Trump said at the beginning of his speech.

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In a direct attack on the previous administration led by Democratic leader Joe Biden, the president said he “inherited a country in crisis” and listed problems with the economy, police and military recruitment, as well as crime and “war and chaos around the world.”

“But tonight, just one year later, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved an unprecedented transformation, a transformation for generations. It truly is a transformation for generations,” he said.

Trump also hailed efforts to prevent wars and broker ceasefires, including between India and Pakistan last May, while highlighting his own achievements.

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“As president, I will do everything in my power to achieve peace, but I will not hesitate to address threats to the United States,” Trump said.

The speech came at a time of simmering tensions with Iran, with the US president also warning Iran’s clerical regime while saying he would prefer diplomacy to end the confrontation.

“They have developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our overseas bases, and they are working hard to build missiles that will soon reach the United States,” he said, adding, “But one thing is for sure, I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror – which they are by far – to have nuclear weapons. Can’t let that happen.”

He also renewed his warning to Iran as he builds up U.S. forces in the region and weighs whether to take new military action against Tehran.