Hoyer Statement on President Trump's Joint Address to Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement tonight following President Donald J. Trump's Joint Address to Congress:

"The state of our Union and our economy grows weaker every day that Donald Trump continues on his current course.

"Tonight, rather than honor his promises to lower inflation and create jobs, he doubled down on economic policies that will devastate American workers, families, and small businesses. His universal tariffs will increase prices on everything from gas to groceries, costing families hundreds of dollars more on consumer goods each year for no gain. Just as they did in 2017, Trump and Republicans in Congress also expect the American people to foot the bill for trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals.

"Trump wants not only to saddle the American people with these costs but also to pull the rug out from under them. Republicans’ budget calls for historic cuts to Medicaid that would leave millions of Americans without health insurance. Their illegal efforts to pause federal grants and to purge thousands of hardworking federal employees disrupt vital services for the American people – from Veterans’ care to Social Security to NIH medical research, among numerous others. DOGE makes these cuts in the name of 'efficiency.' In truth, DOGE reports dubious savings, creates chaos and crisis for government operations, and intends to pursue privatization that will cost Americans more for fewer services.

"Trump also continues to undermine our national security. His Oval Office tirade against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his subsequent suspension of military aid to Ukraine were a craven capitulation to Vladimir Putin and a betrayal not only of our courageous ally but also freedom, democracy, and international law."