At the same time, Republicans expressed some concern that he did not deliver a significant one political program for the rest of the year.
— He's in a great mood and you can see it right away. He started by celebrating the country's 250th anniversary by inviting the men's Olympic hockey team, a Trump adviser who, like others, asked not to be named, tells POLITICO. — He got straight to the point, highlighting his achievements in ensuring affordability for working families and providing a forward-looking vision moving forward cutting costs and rebuilding America's prosperity — he really rose to the moment.
Before the speech, the main concern for Trump's allies was whether he would stick to the script.
But the president largely stuck to the teleprompter and focused on conveying his priorities and personal stories. When he veered away from the text, it was largely to attack Democrats in the room — former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, for example.
– So far Trump is in top form — he jokes, invites the American hockey team, emphasizes energy prices. Trump is dangerous when it comes to his message! – says one member of the Republican Party.
The president enriched his speech with guest stories that illustrate his program. — Personal stories are of great importance these days. This will be a strong point, says one of the Republican activists.
Republicans expected more
But some Republicans who support Trump have warned that he has not presented enough demands to Congress that reflect a serious agenda for 2026, especially on the issue of affordability. This issue could determine the outcome of the midterm elections.
— The demands addressed to Congress are half-hearted or non-existent, continues the Republican activist.
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Another strategist emphasizes that while allies were happy to see a more disciplined version of Trump, they expected more on the economy. “I wish we had more specific steps to take to order Congress to do more for people who are hurting,” the person says.
Even Republicans who generally appreciated the speech don't believe he did much to change the dynamics of the midterm election year. “This is all a look back, as great as it is,” one source added.
One of the weakest points of the administration
There was one more issue that kept Republicans awake at night. With Trump's declining popularity on immigration, Republican strategists believe that on Tuesday evening the president chose the right tone.
Trump focused mainly on two aspects its approach to immigration, which enjoys broader support: border security and the deportation of violent criminals.
“As a Latino and an immigrant, I can clearly say that this has a very positive impact on those who came here legally,” says Charlie Gerow, a Republican strategist and former vice president of the political organization American Conservative Union. — That's one reason Trump did so well among Latinos in 2024.
Immigration quickly went from one of the strongest issues of the Trump presidency to one of the weakest. Deportation raids across the country have alienated Americans from aggressively enforcing immigration laws by the administration.
A January POLITICO poll found that many Americans are unfriendly to Trump's aggressive stance on immigration policy. Almost half of all citizens – 49 percent. — said the mass deportation campaign is too aggressive, including one in five voters who supported the president in 2024.
Democrats used the issue as an attack argument ahead of the November midterm elections, claiming that the White House was causing chaos in American cities.
US President Donald Trump during his address to Congress, Washington, February 24, 2026.Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP / AFP
“He went too far”
Republicans' messaging on immigration helped turn things around in border districts in 2024. The party will need to maintain the support of Latino voters in this year's midterm elections. Strategists say adoption will be necessary a more disciplined approach to immigration.
“Again, Americans (and Latino voters) were effectively reminded of how poorly Democrats have managed the border issue,” Daniel Garza, president of the nonpartisan Latino LIBRE Initiative, writes in a text message to POLITICO.
That message could be especially resonant, according to GOP strategist Ford O'Connell, as funding for the Department of Homeland Security is held up in Congress and the partial government shutdown continues.
“While Democrats insist on shutting down the government and ICE, Trump cleverly changes the argument to say that the first responsibility of the American government is to protect its citizens, not illegal immigrants,” O'Connell says.
“That's his strongest argument,” says Barrett Marson, a GOP strategist from Arizona who regularly criticizes Trump. — No doubt he went too far, but he put an end to most illegal immigration. Of course, he does not admit that his government has gone too far.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
