News & Politics

What they’re saying: PA congressional delegation reacts to State of the Union

Republicans and Democrats weigh in on President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress and the nation.

President Donald Trump speaks to a joint session of Congress during his 2026 State of the Union address. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

By City & State PA staff

| February 24, 2026 11:19 PM ET

By City & State PA staff

February 24, 2026 11:19 PM ET

As those who watched and listened to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night tried to make it make sense according to their political affiliation, Pennsylvania politicians were quick to weigh in on social media with their takes on everything from affordability to healthcare to immigration. Below, we have assembled bravos, barbs and broadsides aplenty from elected officials across the commonwealth:

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick

Honored to bring third-generation steelworker Jason Zugai to @POTUS’s State of the Union tonight.

Jason embodies PA grit and the strength of America’s steel comeback.

We’re ready to hear Trump recap his major wins and outline what’s next for American manufacturing pic.twitter.com/7jstYlthGZ
— Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) February 25, 2026

For nine straight months in a row, ZERO illegal aliens were admitted into the United States.

And the deadly flow of fentanyl across our border is down by a RECORD 56% in one year.

What a difference presidential leadership makes. #SOTU2026
— Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, 1st Congressional District

Incredibly proud to welcome @CouncilRockSD High School South senior Sheryl Klein as my guest to the State of the Union Address tonight!

Sherry has already established herself as a remarkable leader and unifying force in our community. As the founder and president of the Women’s… pic.twitter.com/cv32iD56vk
— Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (@RepBrianFitz) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, 2nd Congressional District

REMINDER: Trump’s tariffs/taxes are the single biggest tax increase in US history. #SOTU26
— Congressman Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, 3rd Congressional District

You might pay MORE if you use "TrumpRx"! The nearly half a million Pennsylvanians who are currently seeing sky-high health insurance premiums don’t want a hollow, do-nothing website.

They need the critical tax credits that made their health care affordable to be restored!…
— Congressman Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, 4th Congressional District

Mr. Trump's Big Beautiful Bill added $3.5 trillion to the deficit to fund tax breaks for billionaires.

Extending the ACA tax credits would add $350 billion to the deficit.

We should be helping working families afford healthcare —not lining the pockets of the rich.
— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, 5th Congressional District

Instead of listening to the President's lies, I'm here at the People’s State of the Union to talk about how this administration's effort to put the rich and powerful above the needs of Americans is impacting you. pic.twitter.com/0szfXhppbo
— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, 7th Congressional District

Appreciate the President giving a shoutout to the Stop Insider Trading Act, which bans members of Congress from using their positions for profit. Proud to be an original co-sponsor on this commonsense legislation. pic.twitter.com/bX1kilE2x9
— U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (@RepMackenzie) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, 8th Congressional District

Megan’s story is a perfect example of how the Working Families Tax Cuts makes the American Dream achievable for so many families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. We are happy to have her here from the Poconos representing our district! pic.twitter.com/bt38tQgS7G
— Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr. (@RepBresnahan) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, 9th Congressional District

It's great to see Megan Hemhouser, a Cresco, PA, native, at this year's State of the Union address. I had the chance to sit next to her during @POTUS’s visit to the Poconos in December and to hear how the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC) are benefiting her family.

Megan…
— Congressman Dan Meuser (@RepMeuser) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, 10th Congressional District

The state of our Union is STRONG
— Rep. Scott Perry (@RepScottPerry) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, 11th Congressional District

America’s economy is growing.

America’s border is secure.

America’s union is strong.
— Rep. Lloyd Smucker (@RepSmucker) February 25, 2026

The name of the game: AFFORDABILITY

✅ Historic tax cuts for working families
✅ Growing wages for American workers
✅ Cooling inflation to combat high prices
✅ Cutting regulations to spark economic growth@POTUS policies are driving our economy back toward prosperity.
— Rep. Lloyd Smucker (@RepSmucker) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, 12th Congressional District

Lee: We live in a country where we have one reality for everyday people and another for the rich and the well-connected and the well-protected. We have to change that. That’s why earlier today I announced that I'll be introducing articles of impeachment against Pam Bondi. pic.twitter.com/N1ujz6LV5m
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 25, 2026

Our education systems and unions are being targeted because they threaten authoritarian power.

They want us fighting each other so we don't pay attention to what they're stealing from us. - @RepSummerLee pic.twitter.com/nNcIkjtp44
— Social Security Works ❌ (@SSWorks) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. John Joyce, 13th Congressional District

In his State of the Union Address, @POTUS reaffirmed our commitment to protecting access to quality, affordable healthcare.

We must continue to lower costs, expand choices, and protect seniors’ access to Medicare. That means more transparency, more competition, and…
— John Joyce, M.D. (@RepJohnJoyce) February 25, 2026

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, 16th Congressional District

In a statement released Tuesday night, Kelly said Trump has restored American greatness in his second term.

"In just his first year back in the White House, President Trump and his America First agenda have restored American greatness both at home and abroad. I was honored to work with the President to craft common sense, pro-growth tax policy in the Working Families Tax Cuts, which are now delivering historic returns for hardworking Pennsylvania families," Kelly said. "America is stronger, more prosperous, and more respected around the world than it was just one year ago. As we look forward to our Nation's 250th anniversary, I look forward to working with President Trump to address the critical issues facing the American people."

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