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Hinson urges Trump to focus on cost of living, tax cuts in high-stakes State of the Union
Iowa GOP lawmaker urges focus on cost of living, tax cuts as Democrats blast tariffs and rising prices
Feb. 24, 2026 11:21 am, Updated: Feb. 24, 2026 12:19 pm
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DES MOINES — Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson said Tuesday she wants President Donald Trump to make a clear, kitchen-table case to Iowans that his economic plan is working when he delivers his State of the Union address Tuesday night.
Speaking on a morning call with reporters, the Eastern Iowa Republican said the president must emphasize policies she argues are already putting money back in Iowans’ pockets. Polls consistently show that cost of living is voters’ top concern.
Hinson — who is running for U.S. Senate — argued the president should stress how he’s reversed “nonsense regulations that raise costs across the board,” protected Iowa families from a major tax increase and boosted American energy, while drawing a contrast with the previous administration.
“He inherited a nation in crisis, but today our country is safer, stronger and more competitive than many people thought was possible,” she told reporters. “ … He unleashed American energy. He's worked with Congress to prevent the largest tax increase on Iowa's working families.”
She pointed to what she said are early signs that GOP-backed tax cuts signed into law last year are benefiting Iowa families, recounting that a friend who paid about $1,200 in taxes last year is now expecting a $1,700 refund.
“That is a meaningful refund for a young family,” she said. “That’s more money in Iowans’ pockets.”
She said she expects more examples like that to emerge as Republicans continue promoting their economic agenda and argue it is restoring broader prosperity.
“I think we're going to hear a lot more stories like that one tonight and in the coming months, as we continue to work to fix the problems of the last administration and make sure that American prosperity is back,” Hinson said.
High-stakes speech amid economic debate
The address comes at a politically fraught moment for the president. While Republicans, including Iowa U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, argue Trump has lowered inflation, boosted wages and delivered historic tax cuts, Democrats sharply dispute that assessment.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Democratic National Committee said Trump’s first year has left Iowans facing “skyrocketing prices,” rising unemployment and potential losses in health coverage and food assistance. The DNC cited estimates that working Iowans have lost hundreds of dollars due to higher costs and tariff policies.
Meanwhile, tariffs — a cornerstone of Trump’s economic agenda — remain a point of uncertainty. Trump said he plans to pursue new tariffs of up to 15 percent, raising concerns among some farm-state lawmakers about market impacts. It comes after the U.S. Supreme Court last week struck down many of the far-reaching taxes on imports that he had imposed over the last year.
Asked what she hopes to hear on trade from the president, Hinson said her priority is ensuring tariffs ultimately benefit Iowa producers.
“It's about the leveling of the playing field for American farmers, for our workers and for our businesses,” Hinson said. “And so my priority is making sure that those efforts do translate into real results for Iowa. We need new markets. We need enforceable agreements. We need that long-term certainty for our producers facing tight margins and high input costs … which we're also working to address.”
Democrats, meanwhile, argue Trump’s trade policies are adding to the financial strain facing Iowa households and farmers. In a statement released Tuesday, the Iowa Democratic Party said Iowans are “fed up” with what it called a “chaotic” tariff strategy that is driving up prices and threatening jobs. The party also criticized Iowa’s Republican congressional delegation — including Hinson and U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra, Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn — accusing them of supporting the policies despite concerns from constituents.
The statement included comments from Iowans and agricultural leaders who say tariffs have increased input costs, triggered retaliatory trade measures and hurt export markets. Some farmers described an uncertain outlook, saying they want more stability and clearer trade policies, while others warned the current approach is undermining rural economies and long-term agricultural sustainability.
Hinson framed Tuesday night’s speech as both a policy opportunity and a moment of national reflection, saying she hopes Trump will “reflect on the many accomplishments of the past year” while outlining a forward-looking agenda.
With millions of Americans expected to watch, she suggested the president’s tone will matter as much as his policy details — particularly in persuading skeptical or undecided voters.
Miller-Meeks struck a similarly optimistic tone ahead of the address, saying in a weekend newsletter that the country is “stronger today than it was a year ago” under Trump’s leadership. She pointed to slowing inflation, rising wages, lower gas prices and GOP-backed tax cuts as evidence the administration has helped “steady the ship” after what she described as economic challenges inherited from the previous administration.
Miller-Meeks also highlighted the impact of GOP-backed tax cuts, saying they are allowing Americans to keep more of their income through provisions such as reduced taxes on tips and overtime and an expanded child tax credit. She said this year’s tax refunds are projected to be larger on average, providing “real relief” for working families.
She is bringing Dr. Troy Scheuermann, a chiropractor and small business owner from Keosauqua, as her guest to the speech. In a statement, her office said Scheuermann’s experience reflects how the tax cuts are benefiting Iowa families and small businesses by allowing them to reinvest more of their earnings back into their households and local communities.
Focus on military families, honored guests
Beyond policy, Hinson said Tuesday night also will be about honoring Iowa military and Gold Star families.
Hinson is hosting Misty and Jeff Bunn, the mother and stepfather of Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel “Nate” Howard, who was killed alongside Staff Sgt. Edgar Torres-Tovar in a Dec. 13 attack by a lone gunman believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State near Palmyra, Syria.
Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is hosting Howard’s widow, Arianna Howard, and Nunn is hosting the parents of Torres-Tovar.
“This tragedy shook our state,” Hinson said. “It was a gut punch to every Iowan to lose two Iowa sons who so bravely served our country.”
She emphasized that military service extends beyond those in uniform. “When a service member takes an oath to serve our country, their family serves too,” she said.
Hinson said she does not know whether Trump will specifically acknowledge her guests during the speech, though her office has notified the White House.
Regardless of whether they are recognized on camera, Hinson said the family already received personal support from Trump during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base.
“I know they know the president supports them,” she said.
Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com
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