Politics

Michigan Democrats Express Skepticism, Republicans Applaud Trump's State Of The Union Speech

February 24, 2026, 10:56 PM by  Allan Lengel


President Trump delivering State of theUnnion

As expected, Michigan Republicans applauded President Donald Trump's partisan, nearly two-hour State of the Union speech Tuesday night while Democrats expressed extreme skepticism.

Here's what the Michigan politicians had to say on social media and in statements:

Sen. Gary Peters: (D): Instead of calling for unity to make progress on the issues we all face as Americans, President Trump used his address to the nation to air out his personal grievances and attack those who are working to hold him accountable. 

Whether it’s raising costs or violating our laws, Michiganders are tired of the chaos that the President is bringing to their everyday life. Unfortunately, tonight’s speech was simply an extension of what we’ve come to expect from President Trump.

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar (D): "We'll be fact checking President Trump's lies at the State of the Union. Stay tuned for the truth."

"Trump Fact Check 47: Last year was incredibly weak for job creation—the weakest non-recession year since 2002. Everyday Americans are not in a Golden Age."

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) (Who did not attend the speech but watched it on TV): 

"Tonight, Trump made this left versus right, but really this is about his billionaire donors versus hardworking Americans. He’s handed out tax cuts to his wealthy friends that fail to help working men and women afford everyday costs, all while stripping healthcare away from those who need it most. From day one, he promised to lower costs and make life better, but a year later, working families can’t make ends meet. Instead of delivering the relief he promised, we’ve seen more chaos than solutions."

Congressman John James (R): "Thanks to POTUS for  signing the LARGEST Working Families Tax Cut in US history, Michiganders will keep more of what they earn. No tax on tips. No tax on overtime. $10,000 auto loan interest deduction for vehicles made in America. A massive win for Michigan, Michigan families, and Michigan’s economy."

Congressman Tom Barrett (R): "We are investing in our nation’s military and strengthening our national security. Peace Through Strength! "

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald (D), who is running for state attorney general:  

“No matter what Donald Trump tells himself to sleep at night, the truth is Americans are struggling to afford groceries, housing, utilities, healthcare, and other basic needs. Tonight, he showed once again that he has no real intention of lowering costs for hardworking Americans, and instead will continue to serve special interests and trample the Constitution. The stakes are higher than ever – that’s why Michigan needs an Attorney General who meets the moment. I’m ready to fight for Michiganders on day one by protecting workers, lowering costs, and standing up to the chaos in Washington."

Mike Rogers (R), candidate for governor: 

"Leave it to RashidaTlaib to WALK OUT over the reunion of a family once torn apart by Communist Dictator Nicolás Maduro. That’s today’s Democrat Party in a nutshell — and a total disgrace to Michigan."

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D), candidate for U.S. Senate:

“For so many people, basic living has become a burden. The MAGA agenda isn't cutting it for working families. Trump’s reckless tariffs have only made the ongoing affordability crisis even worse, and we're all paying for it."

Abdul El-Sayed (D), who is running for U.S. Senate:

"Michigan paid $3.8 billion in Trump's self-dealing tariffs."

"Over 570 people have been murdered in Gaza since Trump’s 'ceasefire.'"

"We will always protected...Medicaid" said the guy who just gutted Medicaid.

"We lifted off 2.4 million people off of food stamps" said the guy who actually kicked them off.




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