President Trump To American Legion: 'It Is Time To Heal The Wounds That Divide Us'

RENO, NV — After a fiery and defensive speech Tuesday night that targeted his critics on both sides of the aisle, President Trump adopted a much more conciliatory and unifying message as he delivered prepared remarks before the National Convention of the American Legion, a wartime veterans association. You can watch a replay of the event on Patch at the bottom of this article.

"Those who wear the nation's uniform come from all different backgrounds, and from every single walk of life," Trump said in his opening remarks.

The convention came on the heels of Trump's campaign speech in Phoenix the previous night. In a an animated performance, Trump criticized the state's Republican senators, lambasted the media and suggested he might shut down the government in an effort to pay for his promised border wall. (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

After the Wednesday speech, Trump will sign the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act. Earlier in the month, the Senate passed the act unanimously. The legislation is part of an effort to streamline the Veterans Administration claims process.

According to a White House spokesperson, the American Legion was a key player in the passage of the act.

"I promised to you I would make it a priority to fix the broken VA," Trump said, referring to his visit with the American Legion during the campaign. "Now you have a true reform in [Veterans Affairs] Secretary [David] Shulkin."

While discussing the reforms meant to increase accountability at the VA, Trump emphasized how important it is to hold workers in the department responsible for providing quality care. Quoting his famous "The Apprentice" catchphrase, he said the government would tell anyone not providing the proper care, "You're fired."

"We've opened the promised White House VA Hotline," he said. "That's a big deal."

Trump also touched on broader themes, emphasizing the importance of unity and love of country.

“It is time to heal the wounds that divide us, and to seek a new unity based on the common values that unite us," he said. "We don't have to be content with a dilapidated road system, crumbling buildings or rusted-out factories."

Later, Trump called Medal of Honor recipient Donald Ballard up to the stage. He let Ballard take the microphone briefly, and the Vietnam veteran endorsed Trump's call to "drain the swamp."

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Gov. Brian Sandoval of Nevada accompanied Trump to Reno.

Watch the speech here.

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Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images