Sen. Ernst: Americans Are Seeing Economic Improvements Under Trump Ahead of State of the Union Address
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, stated President Donald Trump should emphasize tax relief, border security, and national strength in his upcoming State of the Union address as Americans begin to see economic improvements under his administration.
“I would love to hear the president speak more about how our hardworking families will be seeing the largest tax cut in history,” Ernst said. “As they start to review their tax returns, they will say this president and Republicans have done a wonderful job returning their own dollars to their pockets.”
Ernst contrasted Trump’s record with that of former President Joe Biden, pointing specifically to gas prices and trade policy. “My Iowans back home have lower gas prices — at half the price they were under the Biden administration,” she said. “Under President Trump, we now have the lowest trade deficit since 2009.”
Ernst also highlighted national security as a key focus for the president’s address. “We expect him to talk about how our nation is safer with secured borders and much stronger because of actions against adversaries like Iran,” she added.
Looking ahead to the midterm elections, Ernst urged Republicans to center their message on economic relief. “In Iowa, where we don’t have mass transit systems, having lower gas prices is a huge deal because Iowans drive to work and bring in income,” she said.
Ernst also discussed her decision to host Ariana Howard, the widow of Staff Sgt. Nate Howard, an Iowa National Guardsman killed in Syria last December, at the State of the Union address. “This is such an honor for me,” she stated. “We must remember those sacrifices and acknowledge that we are safer because of them.”
Ernst, a combat veteran whose daughter serves in the military, concluded: “For those who gave their ultimate sacrifice, we can never repay them — but we are safer and stronger because of their service.”
