DNC Slams Trump's Impact on South Carolina, White House Touts Cost Savings

Ahead of State of the Union, Democrats and White House clash over Trump's policies in the Palmetto State

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Ahead of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, the Democratic National Committee released a report criticizing the impact of Trump's policies on South Carolinians, citing rising costs, cuts to healthcare and food assistance, and job losses. The White House fired back, defending Trump's "America First" agenda and accusing the Democrats of "failed lunacy."

Why it matters

The debate over Trump's record in South Carolina underscores the deep partisan divide in the country, with Democrats and the White House offering starkly different assessments of the president's economic policies and their effects on ordinary Americans. This clash sets the stage for Trump's State of the Union address and the official Democratic response, which are likely to further inflame political tensions.

The details

The DNC report claims that inflation under Trump cost the average South Carolinian $472 between February and September 2025, and that the annual median household loss in the state was $1,060 due to tariffs and the "One Big Beautiful Bill." It also says that after the expiry of the Affordable Care Act's COVID-era subsidies, premiums are expected to be 171% higher in the state, with 190,000 South Carolinians set to lose health coverage by 2034. The DNC also highlighted SNAP cuts causing almost 300,000 people in the state to lose some or all food assistance. Further, South Carolina's unemployment rate has risen 0.5% and at least 1,700 manufacturing jobs have been lost since Trump took office for his second term.

  • President Trump took office for his second term in January 2025.
  • The DNC report covers the period from February to September 2025.
  • The annual median household loss data is as of December 2025.
  • The Affordable Care Act's COVID-era subsidies are expected to expire in the near future.
  • The unemployment rate and manufacturing job loss data is from January 2026.

The players

Democratic National Committee

The Democratic Party's national organization that coordinates strategy and fundraising for Democratic candidates and causes.

Ken Martin

Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

The White House

The executive office of the President of the United States.

Abigail Spanberger

Governor of Virginia, who will deliver the official Democratic response to the President's State of the Union address.

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What they’re saying

“Staring down the threat of a Trump Recession, Trump has spent his first year wining and dining CEOs and billionaires while costs continue to skyrocket, jobs are being lost at a historic rate, and health care has become unaffordable and inaccessible for millions of Americans. Worst of all, Trump promised to lower costs for South Carolina families on Day One, but he's done the exact opposite.”

— Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee

“Tonight, while President Trump highlights the successes of his America First agenda in slashing costs, revitalizing manufacturing, securing our borders, and delivering real relief — Spanberger's response will only underscore her party's commitment to the failed lunacy Americans rejected. Americans deserve better than the Radical Left's vision of higher taxes, weaker borders, and divisive ideology. While Spanberger and Democrats stand firmly in opposition to prosperity, President Trump is delivering real results for all Americans.”

— White House spokesperson

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.