President Donald Trump arrived in Nashville just after 2 p.m. Monday to address thousands of farmers at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention.
The event, which is meant to learn about and promote the future of agriculture, was being held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
Shortly after Air Force One landed at the Berry Field Air National Guard Base, the presidential motorcade departed for the convention at Opryland.
President Trump's Speech
The President took the stage at the convention shortly after 3 p.m.
He began by thanking city and state officials as well as the many members of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Once he read through the list of several people including Governor Haslam and state legislators, he said "Alright, I've done my job now, alright," as he ripped his reading in half. The crowd laughed along as he said, "It's always trouble when you do that. You leave someone out one person and it's like for the rest of your life they never speak to you."
The President stressed the importance of farmers to America's history, culture and economy. "Our country was founded by farmers. Our independence was won by farmers," he said.
His speech touched on several things, but the two capstones were the new tax bill recently passed and the expansion of broadband internet in rural communities.
At one point the crowd erupted into a chant of, "USA, USA, USA..." after the President said the flag and the National Anthem should be respected and stood for.
He also got the crowd on their feet when he spoke about a farm bill he said he was working on.
"I’m going to create a bill that would include crop insurance unless you don’t want me to… applause
President Trump signed two Executive Orders while in Nashville moments after his speech. Both expanding internet access to rural areas.
What is the American Farm Bureau Federation convention?
An estimated 7,000 farmers, ranchers and others involved in agriculture will attend the week-long event.
Members are expected to talk about the Farm Bill, which is up for discussion in the legislature this year. One grassroots organization, Farmers for Free Trade, has been working to support agricultural trade.
Members said farmers' futures depend on trade, and they want President Trump to know they think America should continue trading with countries like Mexico and Canada.
Protesters
Around 75 protesters gathered outside of Opryland in an attempt to make their voices heard.
The protesters were passionate in their chants, including, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Trump and Pence have got to go.”
They said the president has made divisive comments when they hope that everyone can love each other.
However, the messages did not reach the president directly. He took a different route to the event and did not pass the intersection where the protesters were located.
Impact on traffic
Commuters should expect traffic delays and road closures for the President’s visit.
Heads up! We don't know the President's exact route, but expect BNA to Opryland and back to be slow to allow his motorcade to pass. That could be I-40, Briley, Donelson, Elm Hill or 70. Will impact afternoon rush hr during these time windows! #5LiveTrafficpic.twitter.com/WmYeMIqXzq
— Rebecca Schleicher (@NC5_RSchleicher) January 8, 2018
Air Force One landed just after 2 p.m. Roads will be closed for the motorcade, though his specific route has not been announced.
President Trump is expected speak to the group at 3 p.m. He's scheduled to be back in the air by 4:15 p.m. and will head to Atlanta, where he's expected to watch the National Championship game between Alabama and Georgia.
This is President Trump's second trip to Nashville since taking office.
Can’t wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federation’s Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18
On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018
