The House speaker, Mike Johnson (R-La.), framed President Donald Trump’s first year back in office as a historic economic success while sharply criticizing Democrats for organizing protests and alternative events instead of attending the address.
Johnson Touts Trump Economic Record
On Tuesday, Johnson posted on X, sharing a clip of his remarks, praising Trump ahead of his joint address to Congress, calling the president’s first year back in office “transformational and historic.”
“As President Trump prepares to address the nation on a historic, transformational, and VERY successful year, the results speak for themselves,” Johnson wrote on X.
In a video clip, Johnson said, “Inflation’s down, wages are up, investment is booming, the GDP is exceeding every expectation.”
He added that Republicans are delivering “promises made, promises kept.”
Johnson also criticized Democrats for planning multiple counter-events instead of attending the speech.
“It doesn’t matter how many little gatherings they have,” he said. “They have nothing to offer, nothing but their TDS agenda.”
He called it “shameful” for lawmakers to boycott a presidential address, arguing that members have a responsibility to represent their constituents during major national events.
Johnson highlighted Republican priorities, including border enforcement, deportations of “criminal illegal aliens,” support for domestic manufacturing and what he described as restoring “peace through strength.”
Democrats Push Back On Trump Economic Claims
Top Democratic lawmakers pushed back on President Trump’s economic record, directly questioning his claims of prosperity and affordability.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) asked whether Trump has delivered on his pledge to lower costs, writing that it is now “Day 401” of his presidency and asking, “Is your life more affordable?”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) rejected Trump’s characterization of a “golden age,” arguing, “Grocery prices are up. Rent is up. Utility costs are up. Health care costs are up,” challenging whether ordinary Americans are benefiting.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) disputed Trump’s claim that the economy is “roaring,” saying workers are receiving a historically small share of profits while CEOs earn far more.
He also criticized policies he described as delivering “a $1 TRILLION tax cut to the 1%,” arguing the system favors the wealthy.
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) accused Trump of exaggerating economic success ahead of the State of the Union, stating, “Facts are facts: his economy SUCKS!” and framing the remarks as political spin.
Earlier this mon th, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) mocked Trump’s assertion that the economy is the “greatest in the history of the world,” saying, “God help us,” if that description reflects reality.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Evan El-Amin on Shutterstock.com
Recent Comments