Trump signs executive order to keep Guantanamo Bay open

United States President Donald Trump has announced in his first official State of the Union speech that he has signed an executive order to keep the detention facility at Cuba's Guantanamo Bay open.

"I just signed, prior to walking in, an order directing Secretary Mattis, (who is doing a great job thank you), to reexamine our military detention policy, and to keep open the detention facilities in Guantanamo Bay," Trump said.

Trump dwelled upon on how "in the past," the United States (US) "foolishly released hundreds of dangerous terrorists, only to meet them again on the battlefield -- including the ISIS leader, al-Baghdadi."

The US President used the occasion to underscore that he has pretty much eliminated the Islamic State (IS) territory.

"Last year, I also pledged that we would work with our allies to extinguish ISIS from the face of the Earth. One year later, I am proud to report that the coalition to defeat ISIS has liberated almost 100 percent of the territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria, and in other locations as well."

Furthermore, Trump, in his State of the Union address, branded the police, military and "amazing" veterans as "heroes", who deserve "our total and unwavering support".

A total of 15 special guests, ranging from workers, business owners, to parents of gang-violence victims, military members, and public servants, were invited to the Trump's first SOTU address.