SOTU: Trump Calls Out Democrats For Not Agreeing Government's Duty Is To Protect American Citizens, Not Illegal Aliens
RealClearPolitics
by President Donald TrumpFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump delivered a pointed message during his State of the Union address, challenging Congress to stand in support of the assertion that "the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens." Trump emphasized this principle, calling out Democrats for disagreeing with this stance and accusing them of failing to prioritize border security funding. He also referenced a significant snowstorm as an analogy, suggesting that the lack of funding was preventing necessary assistance for communities dealing with severe weather.
During his speech, Trump demanded the immediate restoration of all funding for border security and homeland security, which he claimed had been blocked by Democrats. He criticized "sanctuary cities" and called for penalties against officials who obstruct the removal of criminal aliens, including drug lords and murderers. Trump's remarks were met with lengthy applause, signaling support from his base, while Democrats remained seated in opposition.
The speech highlighted the ongoing political divide over immigration policy, with Trump framing the issue as a matter of national security and law enforcement. By linking border security to disaster relief efforts like snow cleanup, Trump sought to emphasize the broader consequences of funding decisions. His comments also underscored his administration's long-standing focus on limiting illegal immigration and strengthening border controls.
This moment in the State of the Union address reflects the broader debate over the government's priorities and responsibilities. For readers interested in politics, understanding Trump's rhetoric and its implications for immigration policy is crucial to grasping the ongoing
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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/25/2026