Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address.

ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: Let’s speak plainly and honestly. And let me ask you – the American people watching at home – three questions: Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the president working to keep Americans safe, both at home and abroad? Is the president working for you? As I campaigned for governor last year, I traveled to every corner of Virginia, and I heard the same pressing concern everywhere: costs are too high – in housing, health care, energy, and child care. And I know these same conversations are being had all across this country. Because since this president took office last year, his reckless trade policies have forced American families to pay more than $ 1,700 each in tariff costs. Small businesses have suffered. Farmers have suffered – some losing entire markets. Every day, Americans are paying the price. And even though the Supreme Court struck these tariffs down four days ago, the damage to us – the American people – has already been done. Meanwhile, the president is planning new tariffs – another massive tax hike on you and your family. And Republicans in Congress remain unwilling to assert their constitutional authority to stop him. They’re making your life harder. They’re making your life more expensive. They’re even making it more difficult to see a doctor. Rural health clinics in Virginia and across the country are already closing their doors, thanks to the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, championed by the president and Republicans in Congress. And tonight, the president celebrated this law – the one threatening rural hospitals, stripping health care for millions of Americans, and driving up costs in energy and housing, all while cutting food programs for hungry kids. But here in Virginia, I am working with our state legislature to lower costs and make the Commonwealth more affordable. And it’s not just me. Democrats across the country are laser-focused on affordability – in our nation’s capital, and in state capitols and communities across America. In the most innovative and exceptional nation in the history of the world, Americans deserve to know that their leaders are focused on addressing the problems that keep them up at night – problems that dictate where you live, whether you can afford to start a business, or whether you have to skip a prescription in order to buy groceries. So I’ll ask again: Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? We all know the answer is no.

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