WASHINGTON, D.C. – In just under two hours, President Donald Trump gave his State of the Union address Tuesday night. While some congressional members praised his speech, others called it out of touch with the financial reality many Americans are facing.
In Trump’s address, he took a victory lap. He touted his party’s work on border policy and making the economy stronger, even though a recent Pew Research Center poll shows about three in ten US adults rate economic conditions in the country as excellent or good. In the speech, he made occasional jabs at Democrats, especially on crime and immigration. We asked a few members on Capitol Hill what they thought of the President’s address.
“There was something there for everybody to like,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA). Rep. Kelly praised the speech. He said it helped highlight new tax policy Republicans crafted, which they said will bring more money back to people’s wallets.
“I think we’re on the right path,” said Rep. Kelly. “I think we’ll find out in the midterms. I hope people look to see what’s happened and the pocketbook is always the most important thing.”
“The President did a good job saying we’re beginning to battle the affordability question,” said Sen,. Jon Husted (R- OH). “Under the Biden administration, inflation was at nine percent at its peak and now it’s down to three. There’s more work to be done to lower costs on food and energy.”
Democrats said the President has not delivered on his promise to lower costs.
“Instead, he’s delivered cost increases and chaos that are wreaking havoc on New York families,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY). “Prices for housing, groceries, electricity and other everyday essentials are all up because of Trump’s trade wars and tariffs.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY) said President’s speech was out of touch with the financial hardships many Americans are facing.
“This was not America’s State of the Union,” said Sen. Schumer. “This was Donald Trump’s state of delusion. He’s in a bubble. He doesn’t know what the average American is going through.”
