Kentucky Reacts To Trump’s 2026 State Of The Union Address
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What are the initial reactions to Trump's 2026 State of the Union Address?
First of all, I'm Amy McGrath. I am joined by some fellow Kentuckians who all watched the State of the Union, whether they liked it or not. It's still going on at this time, but I really felt like... Whatever we were going to hear of substance from America's leader would come in the first hour. And so we're here live with you all tonight. I want to introduce everyone. I'm here with some fellow Kentuckians. Let's start out with Riley. Riley's a student. Good to be with us tonight. Riley, where are you coming from?
Yeah, I'm originally from Northern Kentucky, Kenton County, but I'm a current political science student at the University of Louisville, and I'm excited to be here tonight.
Awesome. And Rusty, Rusty, where are you coming from?
Well, I'm here in Versailles, Whitford County. I'm a full-time farmer, third generation. Happy to be with you guys and girls tonight.
Awesome. And Jennifer.
Jennifer's with us.
Go ahead.
I'm in Lakeside Park in Northern Kentucky, and I've known Amy for quite a few many years now since high school. I am a single mom of twin teenage boys, and I work in oncology research. So this healthcare element is very important to me.
Yeah, we'll talk about that tonight. I mean, so you all watched, you know, you don't have to admit it if you don't want to. But I tried to watch from the start of the State of the Union and all the way up until this point. And I want to get your take before I sort of give everybody my take. But our president said that the State of the Union is strong. And we're all doing great. We're the hottest country in the world. And, you know, I guess I want to get your opinion on is the State of the Union strong in your belief? And if you could describe the speech in one word, what would it be? Rusty, I want to start with you.
Sure.
Honestly, I was ashamed of what I heard. To be our elected national leader and to physically say that the United States is in a better place in the history of our nation, that's hard to swallow. with the way that he has treated other political leaders from around the world, Europe, South America, we're the laughing stock. I hate to say it, but we're the laughing stock of the world right now, because we as the citizens cannot control our leader, our elected leader at all. Congress has no power, no power at all. And he said that in his little quick blurb on tariffs that I do not need congressional approval for what I'm going to enact now since his good buddies with the Supreme Court shot him down last Friday.
He said, I do not need congressional approval now. I know how to do it without you guys and girls. I was just astonished.
Yeah. And not surprising, sadly. No, no, no.
Not surprised at all.
What stood out to you among most of Trump's speech tonight? Was there anything that stood out? What did you think of it?
You know, he, in the beginning, said it's been a turnaround for the ages. And, I mean, I had to laugh because, yes, but not in any positive way. I mean, go down the list of any of the major issues and, you know... it's part of my language is shit show. I mean, I was looking at the, you know, PolitiFact fact checker live during, you know, his address and it was a bunch of propaganda, you know, whether you're talking about the statistics he was trying to give on inflation or housing or, you know, tax cuts, just, you name it. It was just a bunch of propaganda. Yeah.
Riley, what were your initial thoughts on it? Was there any issue that you felt like, hey, this president really cares about me or any specific policies that really affected you as a young American?
Yeah, I think we continuously saw Trump reiterate time and time again that prices of eggs are down, prices of gas is down, insurance is great for all Americans, healthcare is great. He's announced Trump RX, which is supposed to lower the cost of prescription drugs. And I'm not sure what reality he's living in, but for everyday Americans, for me, when I go down the street to shop at Kroger and get my gas there, It's way more expensive than it's been since I began college.
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