'More Hardship Than Hope’: NewDEAL CEO Releases Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress
For Immediate Release:
DATE: March 5, 2025
CONTACT: Jonathan Dworkin, The NewDEAL, jonathon@newdealleaders.org
Washington, D.C. – NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan issued the following statement on President Trump’s joint address to Congress:
“Last November, voters sent a clear message that they want elected leaders focused squarely on building an economy that works for them and making the cost of living more affordable.
“Yet President Trump continues to make clear that he has ignored those pleas, opting instead for a reckless approach to governing – slashing government to the bone, launching a trade war, and seeking to pay for deficit-busting tax cuts for the wealthy by taking away people’s health care.
“NewDEAL state and local elected leaders across the country have described Trump’s first few weeks in office as ‘absolute chaos.’ They have witnessed the real impacts of the assault on federal workers, 80 percent of whom live outside the DC area, and have shared stories of constituents like veterans losing jobs and access to hard-earned benefits and Head Start centers that have not received promised federal funds to keep their doors open for child care.
“Sadly, President Trump's address to Congress doubled down on the chaos of his first month in office, promising Americans more hardship than hope.
“In light of this irresponsible leadership, Democrats have a critical task ahead: demonstrating to the American people that we are the party that will deliver meaningful progress on the issues that matter the most, starting with the economy.
“To set a national agenda, Democrats should look to the example of state and local leaders who prioritize building communities where everyday families can thrive. They are investing in affordable housing and child care, supporting well-paid jobs in areas like clean energy, and creating pathways for students to successful careers.
“Americans shouldn’t have to choose between big government and no government—they want effective government. Democrats must show how smart, competent governance helps build prosperous, safe, and stable communities for all Americans.
“Despite the divisive rhetoric of President Trump, NewDEAL will continue to press forward with a forward-looking agenda, showing the American people what real leadership looks like and what real government effectiveness and efficiency can accomplish.”
NewDEAL Leaders is a selective national network of rising state and local Democrats.
https://newdealleaders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/darren-halstead-sT50jo9LCH0-unsplash.jpg
853
1280
Rachel Walsh
http://newdealleaders.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/logo-tnd.png
Rachel Walsh2025-03-05 14:44:102025-03-05 14:53:11‘More Hardship Than Hope’: NewDEAL CEO Releases Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress
https://newdealleaders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/nikolay-maslov-B2HRIGm8ckU-unsplash.jpg
854
1280
Rachel Walsh
http://newdealleaders.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/logo-tnd.png
Rachel Walsh2025-02-11 18:10:272025-02-11 18:10:27Local, State and National Leaders Must Address Impact of Supersized Natural Disasters
https://newdealleaders.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DCB-2024.jpg
2204
2114
Rachel Walsh
http://newdealleaders.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/logo-tnd.png
Rachel Walsh2025-02-05 15:52:192025-02-05 15:52:19Four Ways The DNC Chair Can Rebuild The Democratic Party from the Ground Up
https://newdealleaders.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rene-deanda-zfKlCKK-Ql0-unsplash-1.jpg
853
1280
Rachel Walsh
http://newdealleaders.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/logo-tnd.png
Rachel Walsh2025-01-29 16:19:182025-01-29 16:19:18NewDEAL Opposes Executive Order Freezing Federal Grants and Loans; Action Hurts the American People, Stymies State and Local Leaders