'He lied, he scapegoated, he distracted.' Democrats responds to Trump - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Kate Linthicum

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In a sharp rebuke to President Trump’s State of the Union address, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) delivered a Spanish-language rebuttal, accusing Trump of misleading the nation about its current state. Padilla argued that under Trump’s leadership, economic uncertainty has grown, and U.S. cities have been thrown into chaos due to violent clashes with immigration enforcement agents. He painted a stark contrast between Trump’s claims of prosperity and the realities faced by many Americans, particularly those grappling with rising costs of living and systemic injustices. Padilla specifically criticized Trump’s foreign policy achievements, such as the ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and dismissed claims of slowing inflation as distractions from deeper issues. He also highlighted the administration’s harsh immigration policies, including incidents in cities like Los Angeles and Minneapolis where ICE agents have clashed with protesters, resulting in fatalities. Padilla emphasized the personal toll these actions take on communities, referencing his own experience being tackled by federal agents during a news conference in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered an English-language rebuttal, accusing Trump of prioritizing self-interest over the well-being of Americans. She pointed to ongoing scandals involving Jeffrey Epstein and questioned whether Trump’s policies truly serve the public good. Both Padilla and Spanberger sought to rally Democrats ahead of critical midterm elections, with Padilla encouraging resistance and unity among voters. This rebuttal highlights the growing divide between Trump’s administration and Democratic leaders, who are increasingly vocal in their criticism of his policies. With midterm elections approaching, the stakes for both parties are high, making this exchange a pivotal moment in shaping the national narrative. The response underscores the ongoing struggle for control over the direction of the country, with Democrats emphasizing the need for change to address economic and social injustices.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/25/2026