Virginia Governor Slams Trump's 'Reckless' Trade Policies in State of the Union Response

Spanberger accuses Trump of using his office to enrich himself and his family

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic Party's response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, criticizing his 'reckless trade policies' and claiming his tariffs have cost American families more than $1,700 each. Spanberger accused Trump of not being truthful and said costs are too high for housing, healthcare, energy, and childcare.

Why it matters

Spanberger's response highlights the ongoing political divide over Trump's economic policies, particularly his use of tariffs. As a rising Democratic star, her critique carries weight and could influence public opinion ahead of the next presidential election.

The details

In her speech, Spanberger asked viewers if the president is 'working to make life more affordable' and 'working for you.' She said 'we did not hear the truth from our president' and that 'costs are too high in housing, health care, energy, and child care.' Spanberger blamed Trump's 'reckless trade policies' and claimed his tariffs have cost American families over $1,700 each.

  • Spanberger delivered the Democratic response to Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic governor of Virginia who delivered the party's response to President Trump's State of the Union address.

Donald Trump

The former president whose economic policies, particularly his use of tariffs, were criticized by Spanberger in her response.

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What they’re saying

“Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the president working to keep Americans safe both at home and abroad? Is the president working for you?”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia

“We did not hear the truth from our president. Costs are too high in housing, health care, energy, and child care.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia

The takeaway

Spanberger's forceful critique of Trump's economic policies, particularly his use of tariffs, highlights the ongoing political divide over the former president's approach and could influence public opinion ahead of the next presidential election.