News + Press
News + Press
News + Press
West Virginia Democratic Party Responds to Trump’s Disastrous State of the Union Address
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2026
Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said, “Last night, we saw a weak, failed president lie for the entire two hours he was on the stage. He doubled down on his failed policies of higher costs, greater corruption, and endless chaos for the American people. He barely talked about the affordability crisis and high costs West Virginians face every day, a slap in the face to working West Virginians who are struggling to get by. Simply put, Donald Trump has shown West Virginia that he doesn’t have the will to change his ways or fix the massive problems he’s caused.”
“Meanwhile, Americans across the country continue to rise up and hold Republicans accountable for Trump’s failures. Yesterday, Democrats swept three more special elections right in the middle of Trump’s speech, bringing our total wins or over performances to 251 out of 281 key elections since Trump’s election. While Republicans are on their heels and defending Trump’s failed record, Democrats are on offense and ready to win in West Virginia in November.”
“I was glad to see President Trump take a moment to recognize the service and sacrifice of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed, and Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, who was seriously wounded while serving in Washington, D.C.,” added Pushkin. “Their courage and sacrifice are a solemn reminder of the dedication, commitment to service, and love of country that West Virginians carry with them whenever they put on the uniform.”
Pushkin added, “Here’s what West Virginians didn’t hear from President Trump last night. He promised to lower costs on Day One. Instead, his billionaire-first economic agenda and chaotic trade wars have led to higher prices, unaffordable health care, and the worst job market in years. Under Trump, households paid an estimated $2,120 more in 2025. That includes an estimated $310 more for groceries and $123 more on their electricity bills. U.S. consumers paid 95% of the costs of Trump’s unlawful tariffs and after the recent Supreme Court decision, the administration owes the American people their money back. Finally, Trump is doubling health care premiums for 20 million Americans, and his health care agenda is predicted to kick 14 million people off their health care. Americans are also struggling to find stable, good-paying jobs that Trump promised, with companies announcing more than a million job cuts last year. Last year was the worst year for job growth since 2003, excluding full-blown recessions.”
Democratic Vice-Chair Teresa Toriseva said, “Last night, Donald Trump had every opportunity to acknowledge the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse who were seated in the gallery — and he chose silence. Those victims deserved recognition, accountability, and respect — not to be ignored for political convenience.”
“While Americans struggle to pay their bills, Trump is using his power to protect the Epstein class and get even richer,” added Toriseva. “Trump’s family members have pocketed nearly $2.5 billion since he came into office. Trump is also trying to steal over $10 billion in taxpayer dollars with bogus lawsuits, including over his criminal indictments. That amount alone could have covered over 75% of the cost of extending the ACA tax credits for 2026. For comparison, the cost of Trump’s billionaire tax handout is 10 times higher than the cost of permanently extending the ACA tax credits that 20 million everyday Americans relied on. While Trump and his administration kick millions of Americans off of their health care, they’re also scheming to privatize Social Security and have Americans work longer into old age. Whether it’s attempting to take control of Greenland (which 75% of Americans oppose), or breaking his promise on “no new wars,” every day brings new reversals and reckless decisions from Trump that leave America weaker and more vulnerable.”
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