Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democrat response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, posing three questions focused on affordability, security, and leadership to challenge the president’s record.
She bluntly responded to Trump’s speech, “We did not hear the truth from our president.”
At the start of her remarks, Spanberger asked, “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?”
Spanberger criticized immigration enforcement that she said harmed families, claiming federal agents “ripped nursing mothers away from their babies” and “have killed American citizens in our streets. And they have done it all with their faces masked from accountability.”
Earlier this month, Spanberger announced she was terminating 287(g) agreements with the federal government. Those partnerships allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to coordinate with state and local law enforcement agencies.
Beyond immigration, Spanberger mentioned affordability for families and government accountability. She noted high costs for housing, health care, and tariffs, while emphasizing that Democrats across the country are focused on lowering costs and protecting families.
She accused Republicans of putting an economic burden on American citizens.
“They are making your life harder, they are making your life more expensive, they are even making it more difficult to see a doctor,” Spanberger said.
At the end of her remarks, she called on the power of ordinary Americans to demand better. “It is deeply American and patriotic,” she said, “to stand up for what is right” and ensure the state of our union remains strong for the next 250 years.
The response marked Spanberger’s highest-profile national appearance since taking office as governor last month.