CROSBY, Texas – President Donald Trump told union workers at a training facility in Crosby that "American labor will always have a friend in the White House."
Trump signed two executive orders that he says will accelerate the approval of energy infrastructure projects in the United States.
Read the Executive Order on Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth here and the Executive Order on the Issuance of Permits with Respect to Facilities and Land Transportation Crossings at the International Boundaries of the United States here.
He said crude oil production is at a record high in Texas. Still, he believes more can be done.
Trump said badly needed energy projects are being held back by what he calls "special interest groups, entrenched bureaucracies and radical activists."
He particularly took aim at the state of New York, saying "obstruction" on a gas pipeline "does not just hurt families and workers like you, it undermines our independence and national security."
Trump is trying to make it harder for states to block pipelines and other energy projects due to environmental concerns.
VIDEO: President Trump's full speech in Crosby
'The only Bush that likes me'
Trump heaped praise on Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, saying he's the "only Bush that likes me."
Bush was in the crowd in Crosby where Trump was speaking to pipeline workers and signing two executive orders.
VIDEO: Trump of George P: He's the only Bush that likes me
Trump called out: "Where's George? Come here, George. This is the only Bush that likes me."
Workers in the crowd laughed and shouted in approval for the oldest child of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
Bush walked up on stage, shook Trump's hand and the two exchanged a few words.
Trump called him a great guy, introduced him as the "Bush that got it right," and said he was going to go far in life.
President arrives in Houston
The president arrived in Houston on Wednesday before traveling to Crosby.
Trump pumped his fist and waved to supporters as he walked off Air Force One and onto the tarmac at Ellington Field. He spoke to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other elected officials before jumping into his limo.
The president is expected to announce two executive orders aimed at freeing up more pipelines to supply the United States with oil and gas.
According to the White House, one executive order will change the way states can consider the Clean Water Act when deciding whether to approve pipelines.
A second executive order will make the approval more efficient for energy infrastructure across country lines, meaning Trump will solely make any decision to issue or deny those permits regarding pipelines and all projects.
VIDEO: Arkema fallout: Third executive indicted
Crosby prepares for president's visit
Businesses and residents in Crosby prepared for Trump's planned visit Wednesday.
Albert Baker with the Crosby Lion’s Club spent hours standing on the side of FM 2100 ahead of Trump’s visit.
It was the route the president was set to take to the International Union of Operating Engineers International Training and Education Center in Crosby.
One flag at a time, Baker puts them out for holidays year-round, but he said Wednesday was just as special.
“For a president to come, I’m sure he comes to Houston quite a bit, but not to Crosby, Texas, so it’s once in a lifetime for us, pretty big event,” said Baker.
If you look around town, some businesses had changed their display to welcome the commander in chief. One at Century 21 said, "Welcome, Mr. President" and another at Wendy's said, "Come get a cookie, Mr. Trump."
“I think it’s what you’d expect from the people of Crosby,” said owner Vernon Hord of Crosby Ace Hardware.
Hord has owned the store for 41 years.
“It was actually pretty shocking that he would come to our little lowly town, but we’re glad to have him,” said Hord.
Not everyone was glad, though.
“I wish he would go home, I wish he would’ve been impeached and I wish he would get some morals,” said Crosby resident Nicole Chevalier.
Despite their beliefs, some said it's a time to come together.
“He may not be your favorite person, but just to have him here is really cool,” said Highlands resident Wendy Cone.
They said it was a historic day, set to propel the small community to the national spotlight.
“It wouldn’t matter who it was, if it’s a president of the United States, they’re going to come out to support him,” said Hord.
Residents can expect to see increased law enforcement in the area.
In anticipation of the president’s visit, the Crosby Independent School District dismissed students early and postponed STAAR testing until Thursday.
VIDEO: Locals react to president's visit
Last leg of visit
After leaving Crosby, Trump made his way back to Ellington Field, but on the way, stopped at the nearby Lone Star Flight Museum for a round table discussion with supporters.
Outside the museum, there were several people with signs -- some in support of Trump, and others who were not.
"I think President Trump is the best thing that happened to this country and I’ve been a Republican my whole life," Yvonne Bergier said.
"We oppose Trump every time he comes to town. This is the worst president that we’ve had in decades and that says a lot," David Michael Smith said.
Following a fundraising dinner which was also at the flight museum, Trump then boarded Air Force One and headed back to Washington, D.C.
"We’re happy to have the president of the United States here. Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, it's such an honor to have somebody here that’s meeting with the locals in Houston," Debbie Brady said.
