Virginia Governor Spanberger Criticizes Trump on Economy, Immigration

Spanberger delivers Democrats' response to State of the Union, highlighting economic and immigration issues.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democrats' response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, criticizing his economic record and aggressive deportation tactics against immigrants. Spanberger, a moderate Democrat, focused on the high prices consumers are paying and the impact of Trump's tariffs on farmers, as well as his administration's controversial immigration enforcement practices.

Why it matters

Spanberger's response provides a preview of the key issues the Democrats plan to campaign on in the upcoming midterm elections, as they aim to regain control of Congress. Her criticism of Trump's economic and immigration policies highlights the partisan divide on these major policy areas.

The details

In her response, Spanberger accused Trump of using his office to enrich himself rather than looking out for voters. She said farmers are suffering under the weight of Trump's tariffs, which have triggered retaliation from foreign countries that were strong markets for American agricultural products. Spanberger also criticized the Trump administration's aggressive deportation tactics, saying federal agents have detained American citizens without warrants and separated nursing mothers from their babies.

  • Spanberger delivered the Democrats' response to Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Spanberger was sworn in as Virginia's first woman governor just last month.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic Governor of Virginia, who was recently elected as the state's first woman governor.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose economic and immigration policies were criticized by Spanberger in her response.

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What they’re saying

“Farmers have suffered, some losing entire markets.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia (taylorvilledailynews.com)

“They have ripped nursing mothers away from their babies. They have sent children, a little boy in a blue bunny hat, to far-off detention centers and they have killed American citizens in our streets.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia (taylorvilledailynews.com)

What’s next

The Democrats' response to Trump's State of the Union address is expected to shape their messaging and campaign strategy for the upcoming midterm elections, as they seek to regain control of Congress.

The takeaway

Spanberger's pointed criticism of Trump's economic and immigration policies highlights the deep partisan divide on these key issues, which are likely to be central to the upcoming midterm elections. Her response provides a preview of the Democrats' campaign platform as they aim to appeal to voters concerned about the high cost of living and the administration's aggressive deportation tactics.