President Donald Trump's speech next week to a joint session of Congress will be decidedly more upbeat this his inaugural address, White House officials reportedly tell Axios.
The speech, written by adviser Stephen Miller and others, is being described by the website as "optimistic and uplifting."
"President Trump is determined to capture the sunny optimism of Reagan to temper the populist anger reflected in his core policies." Axios quotes one top adviser.
Trump aides dispute his inaugural address was dark in tone and substance, according to Axios. However, the web site notes the White House officials admit it was viewed that way by some.
A USA Today analysis of his inaugural address, called it "short, dark and defiant" in a headline.
Axios reports the speech to Congress will set a happier tone for a broader audience. It is expected to emphasize what the administration has done to date and what can be done in Congress this year ("health care, tax reform and a partial wall on the Mexican border,") according to Axios.
The website cautions it heard the same assurances before the inaugural address. But, it reports, White House aides are saying the media should cut the administration some slack.
"They won't say it publicly, but Trump officials are actually trying to be normal," Axios notes.
And it reports the White House is feeling good about its pushback against the Russia scandal, Trump's pick of Lt. Gen H.R. McMaster as national security adviser and the president's tour of the National Museum of African-American History.
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