Missouri lawmakers react to Trump’s Presidential address to Congress
Missouri lawmakers had strong reactions to President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, a speech that focused on immigration, government efficiency, and domestic policies.
Hours before the address, Rep. Mark Alford called the speech “a pivotal moment to refocus on American priorities.” Later echoing Trump’s sentiment that America will “be woke no longer” while criticizing Democrats for not showing respect to the former president.
President Trump has been up here 5 different times and the Progressive Democrats still can’t respect him and join us in celebrating the America First Agenda.
— Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) March 5, 2025
Some Republican members of Congress were criticized for repeatedly heckling former President Joe Biden during his 2023 State of the Union address.
Rep. Bob Onder was also in attendance and shared a photo from the House chamber, captioning it with a quote from Trump’s speech:
“We accomplished more in 40 days than most administrations accomplish in 4 years, and we’re just getting started!” pic.twitter.com/yLHdy1SMss
— Dr. Bob Onder (@BobOnderMO) March 5, 2025
During the speech, Trump boasted that illegal crossings at the southern border had reached an all-time low. He also defended new tariffs on Canada and Mexico, stating that he wanted to hold both countries accountable for the spread of fentanyl in the United States.
Stopping the flow of fentanyl has been a priority for many Missouri lawmakers. Just minutes before the speech, Rep. Ann Wagner reaffirmed her support for Trump’s policies, posting:
I’m looking forward to President Trump’s address to Congress tonight and hearing his vision for the next four years.
— Ann Wagner (@RepAnnWagner) March 5, 2025
The American people made a statement in November when we re-elected him, and we are ready to work with President Trump as we fight to secure our southern border,…
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that overdose deaths in the U.S. declined for the first time in years. From October 2023 to September 2024, overdose deaths dropped from 114,000 the previous year to 87,000.
Rep. Jason Smith released a statement following Trump's address saying that the best days were yet to come.
The best days are yet to come 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/7Xrv3RTuZe
— Rep. Jason Smith (@RepJasonSmith) March 5, 2025
“President Trump is putting words to action by putting money back in the pockets of the people who built this country – the working men and women of America who were abandoned by Democrats’ policies," Smith said in a statement.
Sen. Eric Schmitt also praised Trump for reducing illegal immigration.
“This evening, we witnessed a historic address by President Trump before a joint session of Congress where he laid out how our nation will be more safe, more prosperous, and more secure under his administration – a renewal of the American dream. From his swift action that dramatically reduced the number of illegal crossings at our Southern Border, to his work to prioritize America’s core national interests on the world stage, President Trump is already delivering on his promises. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump and his administration on delivering his America First agenda and fighting for the American people," Smhmitt said in a statement.
Not all Missouri lawmakers were impressed by Trump’s speech. Democratic Rep. Wesley Bell criticized Republicans for celebrating the elimination of diversity programs, calling it “disturbing and dystopian.”
Watching the Republican Party celebrate the elimination of diversity programs in our country is disturbing and dystopian.
— Congressman Wesley Bell (@RepWesleyBellMO) March 5, 2025
My Democratic colleagues and I are sitting in solidarity against this horrific administration.
