Capitol Hill Reacts to Trump Speech: Bouquets From Republicans, Brickbats From Democrats

President Donald Trump’s speech before Congress drew strong reactions from Republicans and Democrats alike, with Republicans praising it as an impressive presentation of his agenda, and Democrats continuing to harshly criticize Trump’s policies.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who is currently at work with the Senate trying to enact Trump’s agenda through a budget reconciliation bill, praised the speech.

“Tonight, President Trump made his triumphant return to Congress to share his bold, optimistic vision for renewing the American dream. He showcased the historic, record-setting achievements of his first weeks in office and the immediate, real-life, positive impacts of the America First agenda,” said Johnson in a statement after the speech.

“House Republicans look forward to working with President Trump to continue delivering record-setting success for the American people.”

Johnson also blasted Democrats for disruptions during the speech in an interview afterward, saying, “It was really shameful what the Democrats did … . It was quite a spectacle. They really brought shame on themselves and their party.”

“From securing historic investments to bring manufacturing back, to deporting violent criminal aliens from our streets, to reasserting America on the global stage, President Trump boldly articulated his vision to renew the American dream,” Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., who chairs the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said in a post on X.

“No more blank checks. No more disrespect. It’s time for peace. Thank you, President Trump, for putting America first!” Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., wrote on X. 

Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., praised Trump’s pro-energy policies.

“The key to restoring prosperity to America is by unleashing energy dominance,” Perry said. 

But prominent Democratic congressmen remained stalwart in their opposition to the president in the aftermath of the speech.

Freshman Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., delivered the Democratic response to the address, and accused Trump of not looking out for the interests of everyday Americans.

Presenting herself as a swing-state Democrat who understands the views of Republicans, Slotkin argued that Trump’s policies were leading to instability.

“Grocery and home prices are going up, not down, and he hasn’t laid out a credible plan to deal with either of those. His tariffs on allies like Canada are going to raise prices on energy, lumber, and cars,” said Slotkin.

She also criticized Trump’s advocacy of federal spending cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency, essentially arguing that the cure is worse than the disease.

 “Change doesn’t have to be chaotic or make us less safe,” said Slotkin.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., was much more scornful of the president, who again teasingly referred to her during the speech as “Pocahontas.”

“I agree with Donald Trump that an unelected bureaucrat should be fired. Let’s start with Elon Musk,” Warren said.

Nevertheless, the reaction from Republicans was overwhelmingly positive.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said in the minutes after the speech, “Final thoughts: @POTUS commanded the podium for TWO hours. He’s restoring the American dream with relentless determination. The Golden Age of America has only just begun.”

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., likewise praised the address, saying Trump “laid out how our nation will be more safe, more prosperous, and more secure under his administration—a renewal of the American dream.”

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