Skip to main content

Arizona lawmakers react to Trump's speech on social media

February 28, 2017

Four members of Arizona's congressional delegation tweeted throughout President Donald Trump's speech to Congress on Tuesday night: Republicans Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar and Democrats Ruben Gallego and Tom O'Halleran.

Their reactions largely reflected their partisan positions.

Biggs praised Trump for nominating U.S. Circuit Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court and pushing regulatory rollbacks, but singled out a few issues of special relevance to Arizonans.

Gosar largely repeated several of Trump's ideas, but did focus on a key issue of his own: repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Gallego, meanwhile, aggressively countered Trump's rhetoric throughout the speech.

After Trump said he is America's leader, not the world's, Gallego tweeted, ".@realDonaldTrump our job is to lead the world. Not abandon it."

The most memorable moment of the speech involved Trump's comments to the widow of William "Ryan" Owens, the SEAL killed in a raid in Yemen last month. "Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom — we will never forget Ryan," Trump said.

"Ryan's father is asking for an investigation. Honor him with that," Gallego responded.

O'Halleran signaled a willingness to work with the White House in vague terms.

"I stand ready to work across the aisle to pass legislation that moves our country forward. It's time to act for hardworking AZ families," O'Halleran tweeted.

U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., took to Facebook to show his support for Trump's plans.

"President Donald J. Trump laid out a positive vision filled with hope for our country tonight. I look forward to working with the administration and my colleagues to ensure our nation is as strong, secure, and prosperous as she can and should be," Franks wrote.

On Facebook, Gosar vowed to help push Trump's agenda.

"I am more encouraged than ever that the Trump Administration has the courage to lead on meaningful issues mentioned tonight including healthcare reform, securing our southern border and restarting the American economy," Gosar wrote. "President Trump has proven to be a once-in-a-lifetime leader who isn't afraid to take on the traditional burdens that have plagued the D.C. swamp. I am committed to supporting the president's agenda to make America great again and will lead from my position in the House to ensure we fulfill that promise."

A portion of Gosar's reaction was tweeted by the official White House account.