Change of Tone for Trump? Views from The Cipher Brief Network

The bombastic, bleak tone from his Inaugural Address was gone. In his address to Congress Tuesday night, President Donald Trump was more optimistic, talking about “a new chapter of American greatness.” He spoke about issues he’s discussed before – jobs, healthcare, tax cuts, immigration, a renewed military, America first – but presented them without the harsh rhetoric and cutting jabs that have been his mainstay so far. However, there were few specifics on how the President intends to accomplish his signature programs.

The Cipher Brief turned to some of its network members for their views on the national security issues that were touched in the President’s speech. Managing Editor Pam Benson and Executive Producer Leone Lakhani spoke with former Acting CIA Director John McLaughlin, retired four-star General Jack Keane, and former Ambassador James Jeffrey to get their thoughts.