Following President Trump's address to Congress, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) criticized the speech, calling it deeply divisive and expressing concern over potential cuts to programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. Jeffries, who had encouraged Democratic attendance at the address, stated that the President failed to unify the nation or address key economic issues affecting Americans. Instead, he focused on promoting a Republican budget that Jeffries argues would lead to significant cuts in Medicaid.

Jeffries accused the Trump administration of prioritizing self-interest over the needs of the American people, linking this to economic instability and strained international relations. He directly challenged the President's assurances about protecting social safety net programs, arguing that proposed tax cuts would inevitably lead to benefit reductions. Jeffries pointed to the potential impact on vulnerable populations, including children, families, people with disabilities, and the potential closure of hospitals and nursing homes.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has countered these concerns, stating that Republicans aim to improve efficiency within these programs rather than cut benefits. However, Jeffries remained critical, focusing on the potential negative consequences of the Republican agenda. While the President highlighted positive moments during his speech, such as honoring a young cancer survivor and announcing a West Point acceptance for a high school senior, Jeffries did not publicly acknowledge these instances, concentrating his criticism on the broader policy implications.