Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic Party’s official response to Donald Trump following his State of the Union address, sharply challenging his economic record and immigration policies.

Speaking from Colonial Williamsburg, Spanberger framed her rebuttal around a central question: Are Americans better off under Trump’s second term? Her answer was unequivocal — no.

Democrats Focus on Rising Costs and Economic Pressure

Spanberger emphasized that affordability remains a top concern for working families across the United States.

She argued that more than a year into Trump’s second term, grocery bills, housing costs, and everyday expenses continue to strain household budgets.

“The President’s reckless policies are making life more expensive for American families,” she stated, signaling that economic hardship will be a defining issue for Democrats heading into the midterm elections.

Her remarks align with a broader Democratic strategy to focus on cost-of-living challenges, healthcare expenses, and wage stagnation as key campaign themes nationwide.

Immigration Crackdown and ICE Concerns

Responding to Trump’s praise of stricter immigration enforcement, Spanberger criticized what she described as aggressive tactics by immigration agents.

She argued that the country’s immigration system needs comprehensive reform rather than intensified enforcement actions that impact families and communities.

Trump, in his address to Congress, defended his immigration crackdown, federal spending cuts, tariff policies, and recent military actions abroad.

Corruption Allegations and Political Fallout

Spanberger also accused the administration of prioritizing political allies and wealthy interests over everyday Americans.

She referenced controversies surrounding transparency and alleged misconduct, framing them as signs of misplaced priorities.

Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described Trump’s speech as “disconnected from reality,” arguing that it failed to reflect the economic struggles facing working Americans.

With midterm elections approaching, Democrats appear poised to center their message on affordability, accountability, and economic fairness — themes Spanberger amplified in her nationally televised rebuttal.