RMIT experts available for comment on State of the Union address
Experts from RMIT University are available to talk to media about the upcoming State of the Union address. The rescheduled address will be held on Wednesday (Australian time) / Tuesday night (US time).
The iconic speech is traditionally delivered once a year.
Emma Shortis (0430 358 798 or emma.shortis@rmit.edu.au)
Topics: State of the Union, US history, US politics, Trump administration, US-Australia relations
“On Tuesday night US time, President Donald Trump will finally give a State of the Union speech to Congress—a week later than originally planned.
“The iconic speech, traditionally delivered once a year, was delayed because of the government shutdown and some clever political manoeuvring by the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.
“Under increasing pressure, Trump relented last week, and the government reopened.
“In the midst of this chaos, Trump’s rescheduled speech will no doubt focus on the issue of the southern border.
“While the White House is suggesting the speech will be positive, even “inspirational,” that is not traditionally Trump’s style.
“The State of the Union speech is an important milestone in any presidency. Given the political stakes for Trump, this may well prove to be another crucial moment in an already extraordinary era of US politics.”
Emma Shortis is a Research Officer at the EU Centre in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University. She recently returned from a year in the United States, where she was a Fox-Zucker International Fellow at Yale University, working on her PhD in history. Emma is becoming a regular media commentator on the history and current politics of the US, tailored for an Australian audience.
Professor Joe Siracusa (0409 878 331 or joseph.siracusa@rmit.edu.au)
Topics: State of the Union, US politics, US political history
“Including President Donald Trump's 2018 address, there have been a total of 95 in-person annual State of the Union addresses.
“Despite the recent government shutdown, the President isn’t going to let the Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoil his night.
“Trump will doubtless restate his case for a border wall with Mexico, while highlighting his tax reforms and fight for a better trade deal with the Chinese.
“The implications for Australia, which is in lock step with the United States, could have serious consequences, particularly if Australia is caught up in a Sino-American trade war.”
Professor Joe Siracusa is a lecturer in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University. Internationally-known for his writing and commentary on presidential politics, he has analysed US elections results for four decades and written 30 books on American politics. He is well-known for his expert commentary on American politics, terrorism and national security.
***
For general media inquiries, please contact RMIT Communications:
0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.