Here’s what KY lawmakers are saying about Trump’s SOTU address

Here's what KY lawmakers are saying about Trump's SOTU address

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Here's what KY lawmakers are saying about Trump's SOTU address

Analysis of President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address
USA TODAY's Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page takes a closer look at President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address.

Kentucky lawmakers are reacting after President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union of his second term Feb. 24.
During the address, Trump defended his policies following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Feb. 20 ruling on tariffs and opposition to his immigration enforcement tactics. Blaming Democrats for high costs, Trump also spoke of a “roaring economy” and said his administration is lowering the cost of living.
“We have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before and a turnaround for the ages,” Trump said. “It is indeed a turnaround for the ages. We will never go back to where we were just a very short time ago. We're not going back.”
U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, Kentucky’s only Democrat in Congress, joined other members of his party who did not attend the address, including U.S. Sens. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Tina Smith of Minnesota and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.
“The State of the Union is a time to reflect on the state of our country, and when I do, I see our government unleashing unimaginable violence against our neighbors and our nation slipping into authoritarianism: these are not mere policy disagreements," McGarvey's statement said. "We cannot pretend these are normal times, and tonight the President will attempt to normalize that violence and gaslight Americans into believing our rights are disposable or that we’re powerless to stop it."
What Kentucky lawmakers are saying
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said Trump “delivered a strong message” about the future of the country.
“I’m grateful for his continued leadership and partnership with state attorneys general to protect families, support the men and women of law enforcement and fight the drug threat,” Coleman said in a statement. “Together, we’re making Kentucky and the country safer and more free.”
U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, a Republican running to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell in November, said that he and Trump have “delivered the largest” border security law and secured federal grants for projects in central Kentucky
“With President Trump back in the White House, the State of our Union is strong and the great American comeback is underway,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, who represents Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District, said Trump presented “a bold vision” for Americans. He criticized previous Democratic administrations, which he said “broke” the health care system, and voiced his support for Trump’s work. Guthrie, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, also backed Trump’s emphasis on domestic energy production.
“As we look to the future, adversaries are challenging our standing as the world’s greatest innovator. Americans have the creativity and the skills to compete on the world stage, but we need the regulatory environment to match our aspirations,” Guthrie said. “The President and I share a vision for a future where the United States can lead the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies and Americans enjoy the benefits of these advances.”
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul posted his reactions to X as Trump gave his address. Paul said Trump “has done a great job securing the border” and has “delivered meaningful tax relief” for Americans.
“President Trump enacted historic tax cuts for working families—leaving more money where it belongs: in the hands of those who earn it,” Paul wrote. “Our economy grows when Americans keep more of their paychecks, not when Washington takes more.”
Gov. Andy Beshear criticized Trump’s economic and immigration policies in a statement and encouraged voters to support Democratic gubernatorial candidates, saying that “who your governor is matters more than ever.”
“While prices continue to rise and Americans struggle to pay their bills, this President remains solely focused on bringing chaos and division to our nation,” Beshear said. “Instead of helping families get ahead, Trump’s big ugly bill is ripping away health care and food assistance, his reckless tariffs are driving up costs, and his administration’s dangerous immigration tactics are creating an American body count.”