Trump’s Second Term: Rep. Young Kim Calls for Tax and Border Gains to Feature in State of the Union Speech
Rep. Young Kim, a California Republican and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Financial Services Committee, urged President Donald Trump to emphasize key accomplishments from his first year in office during the upcoming State of the Union address.
Kim described the administration’s progress on tax reform, border security, and voter identification measures as “common-sense accomplishments” that should anchor the speech. She highlighted a major tax package that raised the state and local tax deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 and eliminated taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits. Kim also credited the administration with reducing illegal border crossings by more than 90% and asserting that the southern border is no longer a safe haven for cartels or drug traffickers. She referenced the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and identification when casting ballots.
Additionally, Kim noted Jeff Ball, president and CEO of the Orange County Business Council, expressed concerns about high fuel costs and other price pressures, attributing some disparities between California and other states to state-level policies. Ball emphasized the need for federal action to boost disposable income and provide stability for small businesses.
On political tensions surrounding the State of the Union address, Kim stated that Democratic colleagues should show respect for the institution by attending or protesting in silence, while Ball warned that ongoing political divisiveness risks market instability.
