Who is Abigail Spanberger, the Democrat who gave the State of the Union response?
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Abigail Spanberger, Virginia’s first female governor, delivered a strong rebuttal to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address during the Democrats’ official response. In her speech, she criticized Trump’s economic policies, immigration enforcement tactics, and tariff actions, arguing that they have made life more difficult for Americans. Spanberger questioned whether the president was truly working to improve affordability and safety, framing his policies as distractions from real issues.
Spanberger, a former CIA officer and member of Congress, used her platform to highlight specific concerns. She condemned ICE raids in Democratic-led cities, citing instances where agents arrested American citizens without warrants and even killed two individuals during operations in Minneapolis. She also attacked Trump’s tariffs, claiming they have cost families $1,700 annually and hurt the economy despite a Supreme Court ruling against them.
Spanberger’s selection to deliver the rebuttal was a strategic move for Democrats, as she represents a rising star in the party with a track record of winning in traditionally Republican districts. She positioned herself and her fellow Democrats as the solution to rising costs and threats to safety, emphasizing their commitment to lowering expenses, protecting communities, and representing everyday Americans.
The speech underscored the growing divide between the two parties ahead of the 2024 election cycle. Spanberger’s critique of Trump’s policies and her focus on actionable solutions highlighted a potential shift in Democratic messaging, aiming to connect with voters concerned about economic stability and immigration enforcement practices.
Her response also served as a reminder of the political stakes at play. By targeting key issues like affordability and safety, Spanberger aimed to rally support for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, where control of Congress could hinge on similar themes. Her message resonated not just with Virginia voters but with a broader audience interested in the direction of the nation under Trump’s leadership.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026