See the best moments: ‘How great is America?’ says Australian leader

Under the stars, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a celebratory State Dinner at the White House Friday night for two special guests of honor: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and First Lady Jenny Morrison.

“Melania and I are immensely honored to host you and the entire Australian delegation for a State Dinner in the historic Rose Garden,” President Trump said. “Tonight, we celebrate more than a century of loyal and devoted friendship between the United States and Australia.”

Australia’s State Visit—the second official ceremonial State Visit of the Trump Presidency—was both a celebration of the unbreakable bond these two countries share and a reaffirmation of our common vision for peace and prosperity around the world.

The busy weekend began with a full military arrival ceremony on the South Lawn Friday morning. Under clear skies, hundreds of guests gathered to watch Marine Band performances of both countries’ beautiful national anthems. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that no two nations make better friends than America and Australia—and explained how American ideals have inspired countries the world over.

“How great is America? The world is a better place because of this country living out its moral purpose—a world not just more secure, but more prosperous as well,” he said. “The new economies of the world lifting hundreds of millions from poverty do so because they first saw the United States define a century and do that first, and then invited and supported them to follow.”

Prime Minister Morrison also joined President Trump at Pratt Industries in Ohio yesterday for an event that underscores the powerful economic ties between our countries. President Trump announced that American manufacturing is in store for yet another boost thanks to billions being invested by Australian factory owner Anthony Pratt. All told, that faith in U.S. workers will create 5,000 new jobs on its own over the next decade.

“Here in Ohio, we see the shining example of the wonderful future we can build together—a future where proud, independent nations uplift each other and the world by uplifting their own citizens.”

President Trump wins big Ohio manufacturing investment from Australian firm

Watch: White House arrival ceremony for the Prime Minister of Australia

At UN, President Trump calls for global action to end religious persecution

President Trump kicked off this week at the 74^th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York with a simple but powerful statement.

“Today, with one clear voice, the United States of America calls upon all the nations of the world to end religious persecution. To stop the crimes against people of faith, release prisoners of conscience, repeal laws restricting freedom of religion and belief, protect the vulnerable, the defenseless, and the oppressed.”

President Trump: Our founders understood the right to religious freedom

“America stands with believers in every country who ask only for the freedom to live according to the faith that is within their own hearts.”

Religious freedom is in a state of global crisis. Right now, a stunning 83 percent of the world’s population lives in nations where religious freedom is threatened or banned. The resulting violence has been on the rise for the past decade, affecting many faiths.

That’s why President Trump is putting the issue center stage this week at the United Nations, an organization with the power to do more to hold bad actors accountable. The right to follow religious convictions is built into the very fabric of America, but that right shouldn’t be exclusive to us. Citizens of every nation should be allowed to worship freely.

Learn more about how President Trump is standing up for religious freedom in America and around the world.

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

First Lady Melania Trump talks with guests at the State Dinner in honor of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife Mrs. Jenny Morrison | September 20, 2019