After one of the most brutal campaigns in modern American history and months of constants attacks by Soros-funded groups, big media and weak-kneed establishment swamp creatures, Donald Trump could be forgiven for running up the white flag. Thank God that is not who he is. This week the president launched multiple attacks against Barack Obama’s radical legacy.

First, he issued an executive order to allow small businesses and individuals to join association healthcare plans across state lines. Then he ended what were arguably illegal government subsidies to insurance companies. Democrats immediately accused President Trump of trying to “sabotage” Obamacare. Unraveling Obamacare will likely be messy. But Trump has repeatedly said that if Congress will get its act together, he is willing to work with them on solutions.

This afternoon, President Trump delivered a speech at the White House announcing that he would not certify Iran’s compliance with Obama’s nuclear deal. That deal was one of the worst diplomatic defeats for the United States in decades. Iran received billions of dollars in sanctions relief that it is using against us and Israel. Unfortunately, the president can’t get that money back.

Instead of appeasing the tyrants in Tehran, Trump announced a new strategy focused “on neutralizing Iran’s destabilizing influence and constraining its aggression.” The president called for revitalizing traditional alliances, most especially America’s alliance with Israel, and a major crackdown on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has tentacles everywhere.

Earlier this week, 1,000 ISIS fighters surrendered to Iraqi units trained and advised by the United States. The ISIS caliphate is collapsing. Under Obama, ISIS was gaining 1,000 fighters a month. Under Trump ISIS is being decimated.

Boldness is contagious. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced plans to end the “blue slip” tradition that Democrats are using to block President Trump’s conservative judicial nominees. McConnell is facing resistance from some of his GOP colleagues, but dozens of conservative leaders, including me, are pressuring Sen. McConnell to get the job done.

Trump Returns Triumphant

As you know, the 2017 Values Voter Summit is underway. American Values, my non-profit public policy organization, is a proud co-sponsor of this terrific event and it is very gratifying to see so many people here this year.

It was also humbling to be recognized from the podium by several speakers this morning. Rep. Mark Meadows, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, singled me out during his remarks for my efforts in defense of Israel.

My friend Bill Bennett commented on the slings and arrows we took together while promoting Ronald Reagan’s agenda at the Department of Education. Carol and I even got a thumbs up and a wave from President Trump!

When he addressed the 2016 Values Voter Summit, Donald Trump made a number of pledges to the audience, including a pledge to come back. Today, he kept that promise, becoming the first sitting president to address the Values Voters Summit. And Donald Trump received a raucous reception.

He gave a fantastic speech, promising to defend America’s traditional values and outlining the various ways he has already delivered on key pledges – from appointing Justice Neil Gorsuch to signing executive orders defending religious liberty. Below are some excerpts of his remarks:

*“When America is unified, no force on Earth can break us apart. We love our families. We love our neighbors. We love our country… We cherish the sacred dignity of every human life.

"We believe in strong families and safe communities… We defend our Constitution. We protect religious liberty. We treasure our freedom. We are proud of our history. We support the rule of law and the incredible men and women of law enforcement.

"We celebrate our heroes, and we salute every American who wears the uniform. We respect our great American flag. And we stand united behind the customs, beliefs and traditions that define who we are as a nation and as a people…

"The American Founders invoked our Creator four times in the Declaration of Independence – four times… Benjamin Franklin reminded his colleagues at the Constitutional Convention to begin by bowing their heads in prayer… And we all pledge allegiance to ‘one nation under God.’

"This is America’s heritage, a country that never forgets that we are all – all, every one of us – made by the same God in Heaven…

"As long as we have pride in our country, confidence in our future, and faith in our God, then America will prevail… We will defend our faith and protect our traditions… Our values will endure, our nation will thrive, our citizens will flourish, and our freedom will triumph.”*