Abigail Spanberger delivers Democratic State of the Union response, targeting Trump on immigration and tariffs

abigail spanberger gave the Democratic rebuttal to the State of the Union, using her address to challenge President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement and tariff policies and to press questions about affordability and safety for Americans. The speech signaled a midterm message that tied local incidents and national policy to everyday costs for families.

The rebuttal's timing and tradition, and praise for anti-ICE protests

The official Democratic response, a role first delivered in 1966 and typically assigned to a rising figure in the opposing party, came just moments after Trump finished his remarks on Capitol Hill. Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., praised anti-ICE protests and school walkouts across the country as part of her response, framing that grassroots resistance as a notable element of the moment.

Three questions for voters and a direct attack on the president

Spanberger opened by asking Americans three questions: is the president working to make life more affordable, is the president working to keep America safe at home and abroad, and is the president working for you. She said the answer to all three questions is no, and accused the president of a pattern of behavior, saying, "Tonight the president did what he always does. He lied, he scapegoated, and he distracted, and he offered no real solutions to our nation's pressing challenges, so many of which he is actively making worse. "

Immigration enforcement, Minneapolis deaths and local resistance

Spanberger attacked Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Democratic-led cities and applauded resistance to those efforts in Minneapolis. She said the administration had "sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities where they have arrested and detained American citizens and people who aspire to be Americans, " and that agents had acted "without a warrant. " She added, "They have killed American citizens in our streets. And they have done it all with their faces masked from accountability. "

Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both identified as US citizens, last month during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Following an outcry after the deaths, the Trump administration replaced the top official and withdrew agents from the city.

Tariffs, rising costs and criticism of congressional Republicans

Spanberger criticised rising costs of housing and healthcare and described the president's tariff policy as "reckless, " saying his policies have cost American families $1, 700 (£1, 260) each. She noted the Supreme Court had ruled against the administration's tariff policy, but said "the damage to the American people has already been done. "

She also faulted Republicans in Congress for failing to oppose the president, saying, "They're making your life harder, " and, "They're making your life more expensive. "

Background, political standing and the midterm pitch

Spanberger, 46, was elected as Virginia's governor in November after serving in Congress and working as a CIA officer. The selection of Spanberger to deliver the Democratic rebuttal was described as presenting little political risk for Democrats; she was elected a few months ago and cannot run for re-election because Virginia has a one-term limit.

She suggested Democrats could be well positioned to win seats in Congress in November's midterm elections, pointing to her own political comeback. Spanberger said she ousted a Republican incumbent in 2018 to win a seat in the US Congress and helped Democrats secure a majority, adding, "In my case, I was the first Democrat elected in 50 years, swinging our district [by] 17 points. "