President Donald Trump’s GOP allies in the House and Senate were impressed by his State of the Union address, numerous lawmakers who spoke with the Washington Reporter following the president’s nearly-two hour speech to Congress said.
“It was positive,” Rep. Stephanie Bice (R., Okla.) told the Reporter. “It was hopeful. It was uplifting. It was also emotional. I teared up no fewer than three times.” Lawmakers mentioned Trump’s tone and message repeatedly when speaking to the Reporter.
“President Trump’s amp went to eleven,” Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R., Wis.) said. “A speech for the ages. Perfect tone, content, and delivery.”
Trump’s speech was his longest State of the Union, and the longest that has ever been delivered to Congress. Rep. Tom Cole (R., Okla.), who has sat through dozens of SOTUs, told the Reporter that Trump’s speech “reminded [me] not only of the 250 years behind us, but the next 250 that lie ahead.”
“We are stewards of a legacy far greater than ourselves,” Cole, the chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, told the Reporter. “The responsibility to preserve liberty, expand opportunity, and protect our nation does not rest on rhetoric — it rests on action. And that work is well underway. I look forward to continuing to build on President Trump’s bold agenda and implementing the mandate of the people through fiscal discipline, responsible funding decisions, and oversight that safeguards taxpayer dollars.”
Trump’s speech also blamed Democrats for obstruction of government funding; Cole added that he hopes that Trump’s “focus on America reminds Democrats that protecting our homeland and communities is a shared responsibility — one that demands cooperation, not shutdown standoffs.”
Cole was not the only committee chair to tell the Reporter that Trump’s speech was precisely what was needed.
“President Trump delivered a clear message about honoring our heroes, restoring security at our border, and putting the safety and strength of our country front and center,” Sen. Tim Scott (R., S.C.), the chair of both the Senate Banking Committee and of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), told the Reporter. “The stories shared throughout the address were powerful reminders of our resilience and why putting America first matters for the future of the next generation.”
Rep. Richard Hudson (R., N.C.), Scott’s counterpart as chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), told the Reporter that “President Trump laid out a powerful case for the American comeback and proved strong leadership delivers results. Inflation is down to 2.4 percent, gas is at a four-year low, private sector jobs are rising, and the Working Families Tax Cuts are putting more money back in the pockets of seniors, parents, and small businesses. House Republicans are working with President Trump to secure the border, unleash American energy, cut costly regulations, rebuild our military, and deliver historic tax relief.”
Another committee chair, Rep. Roger Williams (R., Texas), who leads the Small Business Committee, told the Reporter that “the State of Our Union is stronger and more prosperous than ever. President Trump has delivered real results for the American people: securing the southern border, restoring law and order, strengthening national security, and fixing the broken economy.”
“The Golden Age of America is here, Main Street success has been unleashed, and the American Dream of entrepreneurship is back,” Williams added.
Likewise, Rep. Tim Walberg (R., Mich.), another committee chair and House veteran, told the Reporter that “President Trump delivered one of the best State of the Union addresses I have ever heard, outlining many victories for the American people and sharing his continued vision for rejuvenating our nation and ushering in a new golden age for America.”
“After inheriting many crises caused by the previous administration, the president has successfully reversed our trajectory by combating inflation, securing the border, and lowering costs for hardworking families across the country,” Walberg, the chair of the House’s Education and Workforce Committee, told the Reporter.
Another committee chair, Rep. Brett Guthrie (R., Ky.), noted following Trump’s speech how the president and House Republicans are aligned on policies like lowering prescription drugs, especially through policies like TrumpRx.
“House Republicans stand with President Trump tonight, with a strong focus on making life more affordable for everyday Americans, not only when it comes to energy prices, but when it comes to the cost of health care, too,” Guthrie said. “Previous Democrat administrations effectively broke our American health care system, and I applaud President Trump in his steadfast efforts to fix it. Through programs like TrumpRx, Americans now have access to the lowest cost prescription drugs. Through commitments like Making America Healthy Again, Americans see the promise of health improvements for generations to come. Our country’s milestone of 250 years signifies an opportunity to put the wellbeing of Americans back at the forefront of our health care system.”
Rep. Bob Latta (R., Ohio) pointed to a series of other legislative wins that he was glad Trump touted. “As President Trump stated, the flow of fentanyl across our borders is down 56 percent in just one year,” he noted. I am proud that my legislation, introduced with Rep. Morgan Griffith, the HALT Fentanyl Act, was signed into law last July to protect American communities by cracking down on deadly fentanyl substances and saving lives. Illicit fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction and this law is already making a real difference.”
Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R., Ind.), who has seen multiple presidents deliver State of the Union addresses, told the Reporter that “President Trump gave the State of the Union Americans wanted to hear. He explained the how he is working to make our elections so only citizens can vote, how he is making our economy stronger than ever, and how he is working on making the American Dream achievable for all Americans who want to pursue it. Being in the chamber, seeing more Democrats give him applause this year than they did last, it is very clear Trump has delivered on his promises to the American people.”
Democrats were mostly critical and vocally opposed to Trump throughout his speech. Walberg’s fellow Michigander, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.), appeared to have mouthed “KKK” while most of the assembled Republican lawmakers chanted “USA.” Tlaib wasn’t the only Democratic lawmaker who raised eyebrows from across party lines.
Another, Rep. Al Green (D., Texas), was ejected for holding a sign reading that “black people aren’t apes.” Rep. Steve Scalise (R., La.), the House GOP’s Majority Leader, first told the Reporter that Green’s antics were unacceptable.
Rep. Tony Wied (R., Wis.), who said that “no matter how much Democrats try to grandstand and obstruct our progress, I remain committed to working with the President to continue making life more affordable for Northeast Wisconsinites, keep our streets safe, and put America first.”
“We have to keep working together to make life more affordable,” Rep. Mike Carey (R., Ohio) added; Rep. Austin Scott (R., Ga.) added that Trump’s support extended to a critical Trump constituency: American farmers.
“President Trump has followed through on his promises to secure the southern border, bring down prices for consumers, lower inflation, and reduce the tax burden on American citizens,” Scott said. “He has worked to keep our country safe from those that would wish us harm, both at home and abroad, and he has continued to support the American farmer.”
Another fan of Trump’s address was Rep. Ben Cline (R., Va.), who noted following the remarks that “President Trump continues to chart a bold course for our nation, grounded in security, prosperity, and common sense. From securing the border and strengthening our national defense to restoring fiscal discipline and unleashing American energy, he is keeping his promises and delivering real results for hardworking families. The American people asked for leadership that puts their interests first, and that’s exactly what this administration is providing.”
Cline’s fellow Virginian, Rep. John McGuire (R., Va.) supported Trump’s message on affordability in particular. “This tax season is expected to be the largest tax refund season in American history. Families are seeing more in their take home pay, and seniors are seeing historic tax cuts with social security. President Trump is committed to improving our economy and quality of life for all Americans. The Golden Age of America is here, and we’re just getting started,” he said.
Other lawmakers went into detail about how Trump “knocked it out of the park.”
“From economic relief to securing our elections and protecting our national security to Department of Homeland Security funding, he hit every point that he needed to,” Rep. Mike Simpson (R., Idaho), one of Cole’s fellow veteran appropriators, told the Reporter. “Listening to President Trump should give Americans hope, especially after being lied to regarding the state of the nation by Biden and those around him for four years. The American people believe the country is heading in the right direction, and Republicans will keep it that way. I look forward to continuing that momentum.”
That contrast was further driven home by Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R., Fla.), who told the Reporter that that “contrast is our friend.”
“What a difference a year makes on every front,” Haridopolos added. “We were able to take off the Halloween mask that the Democrats put on in the off year election cycle. They don’t care about affordability they only care about power. We saw them take off the mask in New Jersey Jersey, Virginia, and even last night they refused to stand up for Americans over illegals.”
Rep. Mark Alford (R., Mo.), a relative newcomer to Congress, told the Reporter that Trump’s speech “made me even prouder to be an American.”
“The President is not dividing Americans as the left would have us believe,” Alford, a former longtime newsman, said. “He’s showed us the ugly underbelly of the division that also exists; the Republicans who put Americans first and the Democrats who put illegal aliens first. Trump touted our victories in the One Big Beautiful Bill, celebrated our national heroes and gave us a clear vision of what the midterms will be about, the stark difference between the two parties: hope versus despair.”
That contrast was further accentuated by Rep. Vince Fong (R., Calif.), who told the Reporter that “after four years of decline at the hands of the Biden-Harris administration, the American Dream is within reach once again with families across the country already seeing real results from policies that put our economy, workers, and safety first.”
“Under President Trump’s leadership these past 13 months, we have taken decisive action to tame inflation, secure our borders, boost wages, grow jobs, unleash American energy, restore peace through strength, and enact historic tax cuts for families and businesses,” Fong continued; he also explained how the Trump agenda has directly benefitted his constituents.
“Our Central Valley deserves relief and opportunity, and with President Trump in office that is what they are seeing,” Fong said. “More money in their pockets. A stronger economy. Safer cities. A proud and confident America once again leading on the world stage.”
Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R., Texas) was another lawmaker who appreciated how the president “struck a perfect balance of looking back to remind the American people about the devastation from which we are recovering because of Biden and Democrat leadership that inflicted brutally high inflation, open borders that flooded our nation with criminals, and job killing taxes and regulations, while also looking forward to highlight the economic recovery we are delivering through lower taxes, lighter regulation, producing vastly more American energy resources, and empowering the American people and small businesses to invest, hire, and expand in their communities.”
Those themes were echoed by Rep. Erin Houchin (R., Ind.), who told the Reporter that “President Trump reminded us what this country is capable of when we have leadership that fights for working people. Inflation is down, gas is below $3, our borders are secure, and paychecks are going further.”
“President Trump laid out an ambitious agenda to keep the momentum going,” Houchin continued. “I am proud to stand alongside his administration as we keep fighting to make sure every working family in this country has a shot at the American Dream.”
Rep. Troy Downing (R., Mont.) noted that “President Trump has accomplished more in one year than the previous administration could in four. I’m proud to have worked alongside him with my Republican colleagues to deliver historic tax relief for families, workers, and businesses, secure our border, beat back inflation, and make everyday life more affordable for central and eastern Montanans. Here’s to three more years of the Golden Age.”
Trump’s speech was also welcomed warmly by Republicans in the upper chamber and by those running to join them. “President Trump has drastically reduced inflation, secured the border, and rebuilt the military,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) told the Reporter. “He did an outstanding job outlining his plan to keep making America safer and more prosperous. I’m honored to partner with the President to fight for Arkansas’s conservative values.”
“President Trump gave a bold, optimistic, and forward-looking speech,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas), said. “I have been in the Senate for 14 years, and I have never seen a year like the past one in terms of the victories we have achieved. I was proud to author several of the victories President Trump highlighted, including No Tax on Tips and the Trump Accounts. Democrats refused to stand up and applaud our nation’s hardest workers and the next generation of Americans.”
Cotton and Cruz’s colleague, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R., Mo.), told the Reporter that Trump “reaffirmed that America is strong, prosperous, and respected…In his first year back in the White House, President Trump has secured our borders, restored peace through strength, and delivered relief for working families through the largest tax cut in American history. In his speech recapping a historic year, the President laid out a bold, new vision for the future of America. The message was clear: the era of drift and decline is over. A new era of strength, security, and prosperity is here, and our best days are still ahead.”
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R., Iowa), who is running to join Cotton, Cruz, Schmitt, and others in the Senate, told the Reporter that “President Trump hit the nail on the head last night.”
“He made a clear, optimistic case for America: lower crime, secure borders, lower taxes, and respect for those who serve our country,” Hinson added. “The best is yet to come under President Trump’s leadership.” Hinson, who would be among the Senate’s youngest moms should she prevail as expected in the fall, added that “President Trump is making the economy work for everyone again — creating Trump Accounts for all newborn babies and giving working families the opportunity to build wealth and live out their American Dream.”
Rep. Buddy Carter (R., Ga.) is another congressman gunning for a promotion to the upper chamber, and he told the Reporter that the Democrat he’s challenging, Sen. Jon Ossoff (D., Ga.), “joined the Democrats in remaining seated as Republicans proudly stood to acknowledge a basic truth: that our government serves American citizens, not illegal aliens.”
Ossoff, Carter continued, “refuses to stand up for Georgians, whether at the State of the Union or in his cowardly votes to allow illegals on Medicaid and men in women’s sports. In the face of President Trump’s tremendous progress, putting more money in Americans’ pockets and closing our southern border on day one, Ossoff continuously opposes prosperity and safety for Georgians. The state of our union is strong under unified Republican leadership, but if you show your photo ID to go to an Ossoff rally, you’d be sold lie after lie about the American First agenda that is helping our nation thrive.”
Rep. Mike Collins (R., Ga.), who appears to be the narrow front-runner to be the GOP’s standard-bearer against Ossoff, added to the Reporter that “American exceptionalism was on display Tuesday night, with a President and administration whose sole focus is the betterment of the American people. There is no greater contrast between the President’s path to restoring American greatness and the protests of Jon Ossoff and Democrats, who refused to stand and commit to putting Americans first, not illegal immigrants.”
One of the night’s biggest winners was Rep. Darrell Issa (R., Calif.), who worked with the administration to ensure that the heroism of one of his constituents was recognized during the SOTU.
Captain Royce Williams, one of the Cold War’s forgotten heroes, finally received the Medal of Honor. During his speech, Trump explained that “in 1952, Royce was in the dogfight of a lifetime.”
“Flying through blizzard conditions,” Trump continued, “his squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes. It was his first aerial combat of the war, and despite being massively outnumbered and outgunned, Royce led the takedown of four enemy jets and almost destroyed the others, vanquishing his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane and being seriously hurt. His story was secret for over 50 years. He didn’t even want to tell his wife, but the legend grew and grew. But tonight, at 100 years old, his brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening.”
“This will be a speech about promises made and promises kept, enduring economic promise, a government that serves the people, and a vision for our country’s future as the globe’s indispensable nation,” Issa said after the speech.
Issa wasn’t the only lawmaker who got a hometown shoutout. The White House also spotlighted one of Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s (R., Pa.) constituents, which the Pennsylvanian was proud about after the fact.
“The focus on American heroes, America’s history, and hope for the future were the combination we all needed from the State of the Union,” Rep. Celeste Maloy (R., Utah) told the Reporter following the remarks.
