The American Dream is “roaring back to life,” according to President Donald Trump, who spoke before a crowd of nearly 5,000 people at the American Farm Bureau Federation on Monday afternoon at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee,” President Trump said. “Here as the state slogan goes, we see America at its absolute best, and you’re [Tennessee] doing well.”
President Trump is the first president to address the American Farm Bureau in more than 25 years. He addressed a wide variety of topics, varying from tax cuts for farmers to anecdotes about Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans. President Trump also specifically spoke to students and his idea of the future today’s youth is expected to both see and help provide.
“Every American child deserves to grow up in a safe community and live a life full of dignity, purpose and hope,” Trump said. “That is the future we all seek, and we will fiercely defend for all Americans.
“We see the promise of tomorrow in our incredible young farmers who have joined us today,” Trump continued. “Students, who are achieving incredible things through amazing organizations like FFA and 4-H — great people. . . . Their devotion to our nation inspires us all.”
President Trump also paid special attention to praising the majority agricultural-based audience in attendance and noting how “privileged” they were to have had the opportunity to vote for him.
“Throughout our history, farmers have always led the way . . . thank you, very much,” Trump said. “You embody the values of hard work: grit, self reliance and sheer determination we need to — did you ever hear this expression? — ‘Make America Great Again.’
“Oh are you happy you voted for me,” Trump said. “You are so lucky I gave you that privilege.”
At the end of his speech, President Trump, surrounded by Tennessee’s Republican congressional delegation as well as Governor Bill Haslam, signed an executive order on rural broadband internet, which is planned to expand high-speed Internet in rural areas.
“Those towers are going to go up, and you’re going to have great, great broadband,” Trump said.
Concluding his address, Trump said he was “thrilled” to be standing with farmers, and he is going to be standing with them for “many years to come,” adding that he is fighting for farmers, the “great American flag” and the country.
“Farm country is God’s country,” Trump said. “So true.”