Hinson urges Trump to focus on cost of living, tax cuts in high-stakes State of the Union

The Iowa Republican says the president should highlight tax relief and lower costs to win over skeptical voters, as Democrats counter that tariffs and rising prices are hurting families and farmers.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson said she wants President Donald Trump to make a clear, kitchen-table case to Iowans that his economic plan is working when he delivers his State of the Union address. Hinson, who is running for U.S. Senate, argued the president should stress how he's reversed 'nonsense regulations that raise costs across the board,' protected Iowa families from a major tax increase and boosted American energy, while drawing a contrast with the previous administration. Hinson recounted that a friend who paid about $1,200 in taxes last year is now expecting a $1,700 refund, saying 'that is a meaningful refund for a young family' and 'more money in Iowans' pockets.' However, Democrats sharply dispute the GOP's assessment, arguing Trump's trade policies are adding to the financial strain facing Iowa households and farmers.

Why it matters

The address comes at a politically fraught moment for the president, as Republicans argue Trump has lowered inflation, boosted wages and delivered historic tax cuts, while Democrats counter that tariffs and rising prices are hurting families and farmers. With millions of Americans expected to watch, Hinson suggested the president's tone will matter as much as his policy details in persuading skeptical or undecided voters.

The details

Hinson said the president must emphasize policies she argues are already putting money back in Iowans' pockets, such as reversing 'nonsense regulations that raise costs across the board,' protecting Iowa families from a major tax increase, and boosting American energy. She pointed to what she said are early signs that GOP-backed tax cuts signed into law last year are benefiting Iowa families, recounting that a friend who paid about $1,200 in taxes last year is now expecting a $1,700 refund. Meanwhile, tariffs — a cornerstone of Trump's economic agenda — remain a point of uncertainty, with the U.S. Supreme Court last week striking down many of the far-reaching taxes on imports that he had imposed over the last year.

  • On Tuesday, Hinson spoke on a morning call with reporters ahead of Trump's State of the Union address.
  • The State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday night.

The players

Ashley Hinson

An Iowa U.S. Representative who is running for U.S. Senate.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks

An Iowa U.S. Representative.

Joni Ernst

An Iowa U.S. Senator.

Zach Nunn

An Iowa U.S. Representative.

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What they’re saying

“He inherited a nation in crisis, but today our country is safer, stronger and more competitive than many people thought was possible.”

— Ashley Hinson, U.S. Representative (thegazette.com)

“I got a text from a good friend of mine who's a dad to two girls, said he paid $1,200 in taxes last year, and this year, he's getting $1,700 back. So that is a meaningful refund for a young family that's more money in Iowa's pockets, and I think we're going to hear a lot more stories like that one tonight and in the coming months, as we continue to work to fix the problems of the last administration and make sure that American prosperity is back.”

— Ashley Hinson, U.S. Representative (thegazette.com)

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.