1.7 million and counting

Not a bad year Under President Donald J. Trump, nearly 1.7 million new jobs have been created. 159,000 jobs have been added in the manufacturing industry. Another 57,000 have been created in mining and logging. The unemployment rate is its lowest in nearly 17 years. And GDP growth topped 3 percent the past two quarters—after zero such quarters in 2016. The bottom line is that while the media largely ignores it, America's economy is firing on all cylinders. More growth means more of our citizens are able to afford their own homes, send their kids to college, and save for their retirements. Under President Trump, Americans are getting back to work. Take a look for yourself. What tax reform is all about Tax cuts are an early centerpiece of what President Trump promised to do once elected: Run a government that's more accountable, more democratic, and less eager to line its pockets with tax money from working families and small businesses. In addition to tax relief for individuals, this bill is about restoring America's economic dominance by putting U.S. companies on a level playing field with foreign competitors. Read how the Tax Cuts Act will put America first. Bonus: A 30-second cut of President Trump and Congressional leaders on the White House South Lawn. A surprise for Christmas Ahead of next week's holiday, Vice President Mike Pence made a surprise visit to U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan to thank them for their service. The Vice President also met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to discuss the country's ongoing security partnership with the United States. President Trump met with service members yesterday, as well, making a visit to Walter Reed's USO Warrior & Family Center to visit military personnel recovering from injuries. See what Vice President Pence told U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Photo of the Day Vice President Mike Pence delivers remarks to American troops in Afghanistan | December 21, 2017 (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen)