President Trump’s State of the Union speech made waves across the country. In Virginia, lawmakers were split down party lines with strong reactions from both Republicans and Democrats.
“If the president, his administration and Republicans in Congress continue to go down the current path they are on, they should expect that they will be met with fierce opposition,” said US Senator Tim Kaine.
Kaine’s statement lamented the Trump administration’s federal downsizing in pursuit of a balanced budget and also voiced continued support for the War in Ukraine, whom the US has already allocated $175 billion in foreign aid.
Senator Mark Warner issued a similarly terse statement calling President Trump’s efforts to secure a peace settlement in Ukraine “reckless” and his plans to cut federal spending illegal.
Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, a Democrat whose district covers areas of Reston and Fairfax, accused President Trump of doubling down of “Project 2025” and trying to bend government to serve himself.
To hear Republicans describe it, you would think they were talking about two different speeches.
“Tonight, President Trump delivered a consequential speech of optimism,” said Congressman Andy Harris, Maryland’s lone Republican.
“President Trump just delivered a bold, positive vision to secure our border, revive our economy, and restore American strength,” said Congressman Ben Cline who represents Virginia’s 6th District. “Leadership is back, our enemies are on notice, and we’re making America great again.”
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans spoke in detail of the new administration’s success in “delivering on promises made to the American people.”
“[I]llegal border crossings have hit record lows… $1.7 trillion in economic investments have been secured, and peace through strength is being restored,” she said.
Congressman John McGuire who represents the Lynchburg area reposted a quote by President Trump saying “the Golden Age of America has only just begun.”CNN polling shows that among those who viewed the speech roughly 70% had at least a “somewhat positive” reaction to the President.