Salem, OR – In his first primetime speech of his second term, President Donald Trump addressed Congress on Tuesday evening, declaring that “America is back” and highlighting his administration’s efforts to strengthen the economy, curb illegal immigration, and combat what he described as the “woke” agenda pushed by Democrats. However, his speech quickly became a flashpoint for political tension, especially among Oregon’s congressional delegation, where several Democrats chose to walk out in protest.
Trump framed the nation’s progress as part of a broader resurgence under his leadership, boasting that illegal immigration was on the decline and that the American dream was thriving. He reiterated his commitment to reducing government overreach and championed the achievements of his administration, which he claimed were benefiting working-class Americans.
“America is surging, bigger and better than ever before,” Trump stated, touting his efforts to reduce federal regulations and boost economic growth. However, his remarks were met with significant resistance from Democrats, particularly in states like Oregon, where the president’s policies have sparked strong opposition.
Oregon Democrats Walk Out in Protest
As Trump spoke, members of Oregon’s congressional delegation voiced their outrage over the president’s policies, which they argue have adversely affected the state. Among those who staged a walkout were U.S. Reps. Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter, both Democrats. Salinas, who was re-elected in November, took to social media to express her dissatisfaction with the speech, calling Trump a “wannabe dictator” and accusing him of ignoring the reality that his policies were hurting working families.
“Tonight, President Trump spewed more lies and continued to ignore the reality that his policies are hurting working families—not helping them,” Salinas tweeted. “I couldn’t stay and listen to more false promises.”
In addition to concerns over Trump’s rhetoric, Oregon Democrats are grappling with the impact of the president’s cost-cutting measures, including mass firings at federal agencies. The U.S. Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Bonneville Power Administration have all seen significant job cuts, which have left communities across Oregon feeling the strain.
Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Democrat from Happy Valley, remained in the Capitol chamber during the speech, explaining that she wanted to “hold Trump accountable” for policies affecting her constituents. She highlighted the importance of wildfire research and resources in Oregon, a state prone to devastating wildfires, which she said were at risk due to the president’s cuts to critical funding.
“We in Oregon absolutely need every wildfire-fighting resource that we can possibly get. This is not small peanuts for us. This is life or death,” Bynum said in a call with reporters earlier that day.
Trump’s Economic Agenda and Tariff Controversy
Trump also used the address to emphasize his administration’s trade policies, notably the imposition of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The move is expected to have a significant impact on Oregon, where industries such as furniture production and fertilizer depend on imports from these countries. Trump argued that the tariffs would benefit the U.S. economy by curbing illegal immigration and protecting American workers, despite warnings from economists who say the measures could lead to higher prices for consumers and provoke retaliatory tariffs.
Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, criticized the president’s approach on social media, calling the tariffs “reckless” and warning that they would raise prices for families in Oregon and across the country. “This is Trumpflation at work!” Merkley wrote, pointing to the economic consequences of the president’s trade policies.
Oregon Republicans Offer Support
While Oregon’s Democrats voiced their displeasure with the president’s policies, some Republicans showed their support. Oregon Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who lost her reelection bid to Rep. Bynum in November, was seen seated in the front row during Trump’s speech. Chavez-DeRemer, a vocal critic of the current administration’s policies, sat alongside members of Trump’s cabinet, symbolizing the ongoing partisan divide.
Looking Ahead
As tensions between the Trump administration and Oregon’s lawmakers continue to mount, the state’s political landscape remains deeply divided. While Trump seeks to implement his economic and immigration policies, many in Oregon fear the impact on local communities, workers, and the environment.
With Congress facing increasing polarization, especially on issues like tariffs, job cuts, and climate change, it remains to be seen how the ongoing conflict will play out in the coming months. The president’s policies have sparked protests across the nation, and it is clear that Oregon’s Democrats, at least, will continue to be vocal critics of the administration’s agenda.
