Minor Change without Substance

United States President Donald Trump made his first address to the Congress on Tuesday. In his one-hour speech titled “Renewal of the American Spirit,” Trump insisted on implementation of his campaign promises and positive investment on infrastructure. Japanese media focused on the change of Trump disappearance of his usual intimidation with excessive expression, realizing no actual measures for implementing his policies. It is still unclear whether he really became the President of the United States.

What made him different was his appearance. Trump changed his necktie from aggressive red in the daytime to moderate blue stripe. Trying to symbolize reunification of Republicans, Vice-President Mike Pence and Speaker of Congress Paul Ryan sat behind Trump with blue tie. Trump started his address with celebration of Black History Month, referring to U.S. history toward civil rights. “I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strengthen, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart,” said Trump, receiving broad applause.

Japanese newspapers raised headline of “$1 Trillion for Infrastructure.” Trump asked Congress to approve legislation that would produce $1 trillion of investment for infrastructure. “Dying industries will come roaring back to life,” he boasted with promise of replacing crumbling infrastructure “with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and railways gleaming across our very, very beautiful land.

Positive message of stronger America might be comfortable for Japanese political leaders who relied on U.S. commitment to the security around Japan. “I am sending Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the defense sequester and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history,” told Trump to the Congress. Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, welcomed stronger alliance with stronger America as contributing to peace and prosperity of Asia-Pacific region.

However, stock market of Japan did not show clear response to the address, while Dow Jones in New York marked a record high. Trump raised walking out of Trans-Pacific Partnership as one of his greatest achievement as the President. Moreover, it is clear that his approach to the Congress was trying to tame Republicans for his political agenda. Financial resource for infrastructure or military enhancement has still not shown to the public. This political showcase does not guarantee fundamental change to a normal.