Reed Statement on Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, DC - Tonight, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) released the following statement on President Donald Trump's State of the Union address:

"The President's speech was a much like his presidency - all about him and largely ignored the needs and concerns of everyday Americans.

"Much of the president's polarizing bluster was based on false, misleading, or made up claims. The truth is Americans across the country are financially struggling under the weight of Trump's chaotic tariff taxes and erratic mismanagement.

"He extolled his massive tax windfall for billionaires. He claimed to be concerned about health care costs, but rammed through $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, and he tried to take credit for a drug negotiation law passed by Democrats without a single Republican vote.

"Under Trump, the wealthy and well-connected benefit disproportionately while hard working people who sacrifice to make ends meet bear a heavier burden.

"Instead of lowering prices, President Trump's policies are making life more expensive and putting the American Dream further out of reach for many. His executive overreach undermines and erodes the very ideals on which our country was founded.

"Instead of making America safer, he is steering our nation toward multiple conflicts around the world. He has brought our nation to the brink of war with Iran-an enormous gamble-without explanation or justification. And Trump's self-inflicted fraying of alliances with key security partners could further unravel U.S. security.

"Too many Congressional Republicans have served as a rubber stamp and failed to provide a constitutional check on presidential abuses of power. That must change.

"The American people are resilient. But they are clear that President Trump has the country headed in the wrong direction and Congress must listen. Americans deserve thoughtful, principled public servants who are capable of building trust and consensus to meet public needs, wisely tackle our country's biggest challenges, and make life better for all Americans.

"I will continue working to help build a better future, make America more affordable, defend our democracy, and make the federal government more effective, responsive, and accountable to the people it serves."

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