Amata Calls Trump State of the Union His 'Best Ever'

Congresswoman says president's speech lifted up 'real people' and focused on the economy.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:16am

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Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata of American Samoa praised President Trump's State of the Union address as his 'best ever,' despite partisan dissent in the chamber. Amata reflected her Republican party's enthusiasm for the president's speech, which she said focused on 'real people' and economic issues ahead of the midterm elections.

Why it matters

Amata's positive assessment of Trump's speech comes as the Republican party faces lagging poll numbers, and she believes the president can turn that around by highlighting his economic record. As a Republican congresswoman from American Samoa, Amata's support for Trump could be influential in her own reelection campaign.

The details

The speech was widely applauded by Republicans, while Democrats sat silent and at times grimaced. Amata said Trump 'lifted them up' and focused heavily on the economy, which she said benefits American Samoa when the U.S. is doing well. Trump also baited Democrats who boycotted the speech, asking if the government's first duty is to protect citizens, not illegal immigrants. When Democrats refused to stand, Trump rebuked them. The second half of the nearly 2-hour speech grew increasingly partisan, with Democrats wearing protest buttons and one being ejected for displaying a sign. Amata was unimpressed, saying the Democrats 'acted like children.' But Trump ended on a high note, recognizing war heroes, survivors of violence, and the U.S. Olympic hockey team.

  • The State of the Union address took place last night.
  • The midterm elections are just 8 months away.

The players

Uifa'atali Amata

A Republican congresswoman representing American Samoa who praised President Trump's State of the Union address as his 'best ever.'

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who delivered the State of the Union address.

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What they’re saying

“I think it was his best speech ever, because he made it about real people and kind of lifted them up.”

— Uifa'atali Amata, Congresswoman (KHJ News)

“I think he focused on the economy quite a bit. And American Samoa is better off when the United States is doing well.”

— Uifa'atali Amata, Congresswoman (KHJ News)

“He can turn that around, because it's really all about the work that you are doing. And it applies to us in American Samoa, for myself, running for reelection. It's all about, 'What have I brought home for the people of American Samoa?' The other five challengers, they can only promise that they can do 'this, that and the other thing.'”

— Uifa'atali Amata, Congresswoman (KHJ News)

“You should be ashamed of yourself not standing up…you should be ashamed of yourself.”

— Donald Trump (KHJ News)

“When they sit there and act like children, it is just…it's not good.”

— Uifa'atali Amata, Congresswoman (KHJ News)

What’s next

The midterm elections are just 8 months away, and Amata's support for Trump could be influential in her own reelection campaign.

The takeaway

Amata's praise for Trump's State of the Union address highlights the partisan divide in Congress, as Republicans applauded the president's speech while Democrats sat in silent protest. However, Amata believes Trump's focus on the economy and 'real people' can help the GOP turn around its lagging poll numbers ahead of the midterms.