Sen. Sullivan defends approach to Trump administration during address to Alaska Legislature

Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan extols Trump's leadership while also criticizing some of his policies.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, defended his stance on the Trump administration during his annual address to the Alaska Legislature. While Sullivan praised some of Trump's policies, he also acknowledged disagreeing with the president on certain issues such as federal funding freezes and worker layoffs. Sullivan said his priority is doing what's best for Alaska and the country, and that he pushes back publicly and privately on policies he disagrees with.

Why it matters

Sullivan's address highlighted the complex relationship between the Republican senator and the Republican president, as Sullivan seeks to balance supporting the administration's policies that benefit Alaska while also criticizing those he disagrees with. This dynamic is particularly notable as Sullivan faces reelection this year.

The details

In his speech, Sullivan extolled Trump's leadership and declared Alaska is experiencing a 'comeback' under his presidency. However, Sullivan also listed areas where he has disagreed with Trump, such as federal funding freezes and worker layoffs, saying he has pushed back on those issues both publicly and privately. Sullivan defended his approach, saying his 'North Star' is doing what's best for Alaska and the country, not simply agreeing with the president.

  • Sen. Sullivan delivered his annual address to the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Sullivan is up for reelection in 2026.

The players

Sen. Dan Sullivan

A Republican U.S. senator from Alaska who is up for reelection in 2026.

President Donald Trump

The former president of the United States whose administration Sullivan has both supported and criticized.

Sen. Forrest Dunbar

A Democratic state senator from Anchorage who questioned Sullivan about his stance on the Trump administration.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader from New York whom Sullivan criticized for blocking legislative provisions that would have benefited Alaska.

Rep. Nick Begich

An Alaska Republican U.S. representative who supports the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote.

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What they’re saying

“You said 'yes' to Trump many times. I'm wondering if you're willing to say 'no.'”

— Sen. Forrest Dunbar, Democratic state senator from Anchorage (ADN)

“When I entered the U.S. military, 60 years ago, I took an oath to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution. Sen. Sullivan, when he entered the Marines, took the same oath, and he likes to say 'Semper Fi' because he's a Marine. But (it) should be, 'Semper Timidus,' because he is a timid coward.”

— Paul DeSloover, Juneau resident (ADN)

“I call on Sen. Sullivan to show a modicum of the bravery shown by our other senator and stand up and say the SAVE Act is wrong. It will disenfranchise people.”

— Erin Jackson-Hill, Member of the Stand Up Alaska activist group (ADN)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.