Statements on President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address

Governor Phil Murphy

“Tonight, millions of Americans tuned in to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress with the hope that he would offer an optimistic and unifying vision for renewing the American Dream. Sadly, I—like many Americans—came away from the President’s speech disappointed.

“At a time when families across the nation are living paycheck-to-paycheck, our leaders must be laser-focused on lowering costs, raising wages, and building a brighter future for the next generation. Instead, this Administration has spent its first weeks in office driving up costs for consumers, destabilizing our economy, and diminishing our nation’s standing on the world stage.

“As always, I remain fully committed to finding common ground with the Trump Administration to better the lives of the people we serve. But we cannot afford for the next four years to be like the past six weeks. It is not too late for the Trump Administration to correct course, so we can work together to renew the American Dream for every worker and family struggling in today’s economy.”

U.S. Senator Andy Kim

“Americans deserved to hear a positive vision for change tonight, but all they heard was the same old divisive politics and empty rhetoric from President Trump. There’s no real vision for bringing the American Dream closer to working families, just thinly veiled corruption and handouts to millionaires and billionaires. No real vision for American leadership to make us stronger and more secure, just an American retreat from our role in building a more stable and prosperous future for our kids. Delivering a speech is the easy part. Delivering a vision for the future and real results is what Americans need; Donald Trump has failed on both.”

“As the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans continue to cut vital funding, Senator Kim was honored to be joined by Kevin Nuñez, a dedicated disability rights activist from New Jersey. Throughout the day, Senator Kim and Mr. Nuñez elevated the direct impact of the Trump administration’s cuts, including for the disabled community and Mr. Nuñez, who relies on Medicaid benefits to live an independent life of dignity.”

Congressman Tom Kean, Jr.

“President Trump’s address tonight was a bold, optimistic vision for America’s future. In just six weeks, we are seeing historic success – our borders are finally secure, illegal crossings have plummeted, and law enforcement is empowered to keep our communities safe. The economy is booming with over $1.7 trillion in new investments and a resurgence of American manufacturing. On the world stage, America is once again leading with strength – freeing hostages, eliminating terrorists, and pushing for peace. And here at home, President Trump is restoring common sense, protecting fairness in women’s sports, safeguarding children, and eliminating divisive DEI policies in government. His leadership is delivering real results, and we in the House will continue fighting to keep America strong.”

Congressman Herb Conaway

“The President claimed that the theme of his speech was the Renewal of the American Dream, but what he described felt more like a nightmare. Tonight, we heard him spew lies detached from reality—lies that exist only in the world he and his Republican allies have created. In this false reality, the values and principles that once defined our nation no longer seem to exist.

“For those who are not the President or his supporters, this speech should be deeply concerning. But I refuse to give up hope. This President seeks to divide and harm our country, but unity is our strength. My Democratic colleagues and I will continue to push back against this Administration because we know that the American people are struggling. We cannot stand idly by and watch Trump, and an unelected billionaire dismantle this great nation.

“I urge my Republican colleagues to confront Trump and bring him back to the reality the rest of the world lives in. We have an opportunity to create meaningful change—one that strengthens our alliances, supports middle-class families, and builds a brighter future for our children. But to achieve this, we need Republicans to uphold these same principles. The hardships created by this Administration can be overcome, but we must do it together.”

Congressman Josh Gottheimer

“In President Trump’s speech tonight, he failed to present a concrete plan to make life more affordable for Jersey and American families. 

‘Instead, he doubled down on his reckless policies, imposing blanket tariffs on our trading partners and gutting critical agencies like the VA and Social Security Administration. None of this makes our country stronger — it only slashes vital support for seniors and veterans.

‘The President’s tariff plan is just a new tax — whacking hardworking families with an extra $2,000 a year. Meanwhile, egg prices are at an all-time high, and other food prices are also surging, worsening the affordability crisis further.

‘The President’s determination to dismantle programs that feed our children, support our seniors, and educate the next generation will only hurt our families and set us back.

“We need to cut taxes, lower costs, and make life more affordable while living up to our Jersey Values. We need to make child care more affordable, stand by our seniors, and protect our veterans. The President did nothing to encourage unity. President Trump’s reckless policies will drive up prices and hurt Jersey families.”

Congressman Donald Norcross

“Tonight, President Trump confirmed what we already know: Trump does not care about lowering prices for American families. Since taking office, Trump has launched an all-out attack on American workers, our allies abroad, and our democratic system of checks and balances. Planning to take away Medicaid, Medicare, and prescription drug benefits from seniors and children.

“As prices continue to rise for hard-working families, Trump offered no solutions for Americans who continue to struggle. I co-founded the Congressional Labor Caucus to make sure workers have a voice in Washington. Trump’s anti-worker agenda makes it clear who he stands with, billionaires and big corporations, not the men and women who build our country.

“I will fight back against Trump’s disastrous plans that are hurting South Jersey families. In Congress, I will continue to advance policies that prioritize lower costs, good jobs, affordable quality education, healthcare, and security in our nation. While we may disagree on policies we should never disagree on the cornerstones of our democracy.”

Congresswoman Nellie Pou

“It was an honor to attend my first Presidential Joint Session Address as a Congressmember. I came to Congress to work with anyone and everyone to lower prices for my constituents. That is why I am disappointed, dismayed, and disgusted by what I saw and heard.  What Americans watched from Mr. Trump was heavy on partisanship and light on solutions. The cost of living is skyrocketing, administration malfeasance is rampant, America’s allies are deserting us, and we are hurtling toward another Republican government shutdown. And with New Jersey receiving almost $10 billion annually to support Medicaid – 37% of all federal funding our state gets – the President’s intended cuts will ravage our state. So this speech will only hasten those bad outcomes and do nothing to make life for Garden Staters more affordable. It should reassure no one and only alarm the world that this administration has no answers, only division.”

Democratic State Chairman LeRoy Jones

“President Trump’s barely disguised campaign speech to Congress last night is unlike anything I’ve seen in my lifetime.  Unfortunately, it is par for the course for the last two months.  

“In the midst of American chaos and confusion, Trump bragged about unelected and unconfirmed junior dictator Elon Musk’s indiscriminate firings of federal workers and seemingly remains at his most proud when separating families and deporting law-abiding parents and small business owners.

“He threatened allies and justified crippling tariffs while continuing to ignore the devastating effects on our financial markets and every American family’s day to day ability to survive this Trump economy.  And, of course, he continues to paint the war in Ukraine with a ruby red Russian paint brush while endangering countless lives and imperiling both our foreign relations and the safety and security of our European allies.

“As Congresswoman LaMonica McIver says ‘Trump’s joint address was just another opportunity for him to get on TV and lie to the American people while Republicans cheered him on. So I walked out. He spun lies about the economy, immigrants, LGBTQ kids, the cost of eggs, his and Elon’s massive layoffs—you name it. Nothing new, nothing interesting, and nothing helpful for my constituents in the 10th District.”

“It is past time for Tom Kean, Jr., Chris Smith, and Jeff Van Drew to hold in-person forums to address their constituents’ very real concerns.  These three members of Congress have chosen to stand by while our economy tanks and our safety and security both home and abroad are imperiled, but tax cuts for the most wealthy continue to be the priority.  And they won’t explain why.

Trump has somehow made acceptable partisan issues out of tearing apart families, allowing the richest man in the world to fire Americans on a whim, terrorizing our allies, and even making an egg something only your boss can afford.

“Kean, Smith, and Van Drew were elected to represent Republicans, Democrats and Independents and if they truly believe the policies they are supporting are in their constituents best interests then they should be willing to explain why.  Not in a tele-Town Hall where questions are monitored and curated, not in a one-on-one interview and not in the coddling studios of Fox News, OANN or the latest MAGA satellite network to pop up and normalize the inexplicable.

“They are elected Representatives.  It is time for them to represent.”

The deadline for State of the Union statements is 12:30 PM on March 5.