Congressman Thompson Statement on Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address

February 24, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released the following statement on Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address: “Tonight’s State of the Union address was another circus performance.  The American people needed honesty about the challenges we are facing.  Instead, we got talking points. The President stood before the country claiming the economy is stronger than ever, that costs are coming down, that health care access has expanded, and that his policies are making Americans safer and more secure.  Families across this nation know better. If the economy were as strong as he claims, working people would not be struggling to afford groceries, utilities, health care, and childcare.  If life were more affordable, medical and food assistance programs would not be on the chopping block.  If democracy were being protected, we would not see continued efforts to make it harder for people to vote and weaken hard fought civil rights protections. Once again, we heard self-congratulation instead of accountability.  This was another attempt to rewrite reality, and I am not surprised by what we witnessed tonight.  It only confirms that we, as Democrats, must stay engaged and stand firm.”