Arizona, national politicians react to Trump’s State of the Union speech
Jan 30, 2018, 11:23 PM | Updated: 11:30 pm
President Donald Trump smiles during State of the Union address in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol to a joint session of Congress Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018 in Washington. (Win McNamee/Pool via AP)
(Win McNamee/Pool via AP)
President Donald Trump gave his first State of the State address to a room full of bipartisan lawmakers and their guests on Tuesday night, sending a lighting rod through the political atmosphere.
The president spoke for nearly an hour and a half on topics that ranged from immigration reform to addressing the opioid epidemic and everything in between.
Reactions from politicians were mainly split along party lines, with Republicans praising his words and Democrats condemning them.
Here are some reactions from a number of politicians, both from Arizona and nationwide.
Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)
Sen. Jeff Flake told reporters shortly after the speech ended that he would have liked the president to speak more “positively” about immigration.
“That was kind if the American carnage kind of moment,” Flake said.
Flake said Trump could have instead highlighted "a Dreamer that has accomplished good things, has a great job, getting an education, and say, we're going to help these people. That would have been nice, something like that."
— Emma Loop (@LoopEmma) January 31, 2018
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.)
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the state of our union is indeed strong,” part of Biggs’ statement read. “He has been successful because he has kept his promises.
“President Trump still faces many challenges as he enters his second year in office, and I am confident that he is ready for them,” Biggs continued. “I look forward to working with President Trump to advance these commitments – and the Republican Party platform – in the United States House of Representatives.”
Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.)
“Instead of focusing on one event in Washington, we need to get to work for Arizonans. Too many people I hear from in Arizona are worried that their kids won’t have a better life than they had. They’re struggling to pay the bills and worry about their future,” Sinema said in a statement.
“I’m focused on the days ahead and hopeful my colleagues will put party politics aside to finally get things done,” she continued. “That is what Arizonans expect, what they deserve, and what I’m working every day to deliver.”
Rep. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.)
Real news: The state of our union is STRONG. Our economy is in afterburner. Wages are rising. Unemployment is at at 45 yr low. The stock market is smashing through record highs. Millions of Americans got tax cut bonuses. #SOTU
— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) January 31, 2018
America accepts 1 million immigrants annually, and most are low or unskilled. In fact, right now only 1 out of every 15 U.S. immigrants enter because of their skills. We must move towards a merit-based immigration system so America can be safe and prosperous. #SOTU
— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) January 31, 2018
We must have clarity about who are our allies and who are our enemies. #SOTU
— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) January 31, 2018
Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-Ariz.)
Rep. Tom O’Halleran told KTAR News 92.3 FM the speech “started on the right track” but veered to a more unclear path.
” We need to find a way to get through the budget, get through immigration and make sure the veteran’s issues are addressed and also the $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill.
“There was no mention of where that money was going to come from except for partnerships with states and local governments who quite frankly, in Arizona, don’t have that type of money to be able to do the cost sharing with the government.”
Related: Trump signs executive order to keep Guantánamo Bay facilities open
O’Halleran said Trump does not seem to have a balanced approach on issues such as the border wall. Some locations need a border wall, some more rugged areas don’t, he said. The representative said immigration issues need to be tackled in the next week and a half.
“Hopefully, we can find a way to bring people together,” O’Halleran said.
Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.)
Trump’s four pillar plan is an alt-right wishlist of mass deportation, a ridiculous wall of hate, and a militarization of border communities. Instead of moving us into the 21st century, it takes us back in time. https://t.co/ULhh1GecZ6
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) January 31, 2018
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)
Now that today is done, my staff and I are headed back to Arizona. That’s right, the whole crew. See you soon, CD4. pic.twitter.com/mJtcYZgJvF
— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) January 31, 2018
Vice President Mike Pence
Inspiring & powerful #SOTU. @POTUS made clear the state of our Union is STRONG. In just 1 year @POTUS has cut taxes, grown our economy, and has ISIS on the run – & we're just getting started. We are building a SAFE, STRONG & PROUD America! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/ZaTVb6ZHZK
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) January 31, 2018
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.)
.@POTUS said it right—the state of our union is strong. He laid out a clear agenda tonight with an open hand toward bipartisan cooperation. Together, we can continue making America safer and stronger for the 21st century. pic.twitter.com/zQi7naDVFk
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 31, 2018
Education secretary Betsy DeVos
I look forward to working with @POTUS to ensure every American has access to the educational path they need to succeed in our 21st century economy. #SOTU
— Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) January 31, 2018
Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who gave the official Democratic Party response
"Many have spent the last year anxious, angry, afraid."
Congressman Joe Kennedy III gives Democratic response to Donald Trump's State of the Union address https://t.co/wFqMiOnPh3 #SOTU pic.twitter.com/WUAfNbJxRJ
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) January 31, 2018
