Voters Divided on Trump's State of the Union Address

Reactions range from praise to criticism as president touts 'turnaround for the ages' in second term

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In a partisan era, voters in several crucial swing districts or states were as divided as the politicians in the Capitol after President Trump's State of the Union address. While some praised the speech, others felt it was one-sided and insulting to immigrants. The reactions highlight the deep political divisions in the country ahead of the midterm elections.

Why it matters

With his job approval ratings ticking down, President Trump used the State of the Union address to make the case that his second term has been a 'turnaround for the ages.' The reactions from these voters in key swing areas provide insight into how the president's message is resonating - or not - with the electorate as the midterm elections approach.

The details

During the address, Trump touted accomplishments like ending wars, lowering housing costs, and a new prescription drug website called TrumpRx. However, he was criticized by some for focusing too much on the 'worst of immigrants' and dividing the chamber by asking lawmakers to stand in support of his statements. The president also drew criticism for saying he could take action without Congress, which one voter described as 'dictatorial.'

  • President Trump delivered the State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th and current president of the United States, serving his second term.

Vice President Kamala Harris

The 49th and current vice president of the United States, elected in 2024.

Aurora Metz

A nursing student who voted for Trump three times and was impressed by his speech, particularly his mention of the new TrumpRx prescription drug website.

Miguel Perdomo

A business owner originally from the Dominican Republic who felt the president's speech was 'racist' and only appealed to Republicans, not the nation as a whole.

Tom Ciampi

A retired quality assurance manager who voted for Trump and gave the speech an 'A' grade, impressed by the president's use of statistics and focus on accomplishments.

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What they’re saying

“I was very impressed with the speech. He brought up so many things that personally impacted my life.”

— Aurora Metz, nursing student (San Francisco Chronicle)

“It was racist. All of his examples were about the worst of immigrants, there was nothing about the immigrants that came here to work, nothing about immigrants like me. I've spent 30 years working without stopping. He looked for the worst of us. I felt directly attacked.”

— Miguel Perdomo, business owner (San Francisco Chronicle)

“I have to give this one an A. It's a really good State of the Union.”

— Tom Ciampi, retired quality assurance manager (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.