What They Are Saying: America Is Back and Hardworking Americans Know It
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, President Trump declared America is living in the Golden Age and the everyday Americans who joined the Republican Study Committee's State of Our Union roundtable are living proof of just that.
Here’s what real Americans from across the country are saying about the results of Republican leadership:
Kristin Chorne, Owner, Gratitude Spa and Salon in Bismarck, North Dakota: “As a proud North Dakota small business owner, I am deeply honored and thankful to Representative Fedorchak for extending an invitation to be her guest at the State of the Union Address. It is a once in a lifetime privilege to sit in the House chamber and represent the hardworking spa and salon professionals, as well as all tipped workers and individuals working overtime across our state. Thank you Congresswoman Fedorchak, for thinking of local business owners like me and for your steadfast support of policies that help North Dakota families. The no tax on tips is a game changer for my team at Gratitude Spa and Salon.”
Sheriff Scott Byrd from Coffee County, Alabama: “As President Trump laid out in his State of the Union address, America is stronger, safer, and more respected around the world. From securing our borders and rebuilding our military to standing unapologetically with law enforcement, his administration has put the American people first. Under the President’s leadership Republicans have fought for our workers, defended the rule of law, and backed the men and women who keep our communities safe. We’re proud to support a President who leads with strength and puts America First.”
Ben Menges, fifth-generation rancher from Graham County, Arizona: “The spaces between our cities and towns in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District are predominantly filled with agricultural land. Desert agriculture is some of the most efficient and productive in the nation, but this does not mean farming and ranching in our state isn’t faced with a broad array of issues. It is refreshing to know Congressman Ciscomani has worked on behalf of those who produce our food and fiber. He contributed lines to the One Big Beautiful Bill for cattle ranchers who have suffered cattle losses as the result of the presence of federally-protected Mexican Gray Wolf. Time and again, he has highlighted the importance of keeping Arizona agriculturalists in business."
Billy Walkowiak, Founder of Collision Safety Consultants in Gaston County, North Carolina: “As a business owner in North Carolina, I’ve seen a real shift in the economy and in my ability to grow my company. A few years ago, I was watching more of my hard-earned money go out the door in taxes while Washington was spending it on woke programs overseas and housing illegal immigrants in New York City hotels. Since President Trump returned to office and the Working Families Tax Cuts kicked in, things feel different. I can actually look ahead and make plans again. I can invest in better equipment, think about hiring, and focus on serving my customers instead of worrying about what’s coming out of Washington next. When small businesses have certainty and lower costs, we can grow. When we grow, that means more jobs, better pay, and stronger local economies.”
Sheriff Rob Milby from Wayne County, New York: “I want to thank President Trump for his efforts in supporting law enforcement and making sure that people are held accountable and responsible for their actions. This is something that we haven't seen in a few years. You can do anything you want with statistics, but when people tell me that they don't feel safe because of what is happening with our criminal justice system, it's refreshing to know that we have the support and that we're going to hold people accountable and responsible rather than hold court in the street.”
Command Sergeant Major John Herring from Alice, Texas: “The number of times the Border Patrol drives through my fence chasing illegal immigrants, the number of times I see major trucks being stopped with people on board and drugs on board, has gone down tremendously. It's become peaceful again, and that’s tremendously great for us. I also have two sons who are still active duty in the military. They were both home for Christmas this year and celebrating that with the Warrior Dividend Bonus. The extra money that was given to the service members this year as a bonus to them was timely, welcomed and needed, and it made a great impact on them, plus it increased morale in the units tremendously, because the soldiers weren't struggling for Christmas.”
Sheriff Chris Stratton from Clermont County, Ohio: “During Joe Biden's first term, we experienced 74 drug overdoses in 2025 after President Trump took office, we had 14. In our county, that was historically low and it's continuing to decrease...Also, I was elected in 2025 to continue to work with our federal law enforcement. I've partnered with ICE and I have a number of deputies trained all SWAT personnel, trained to work hand in hand with ICE when they come to our county. The partnership's been outstanding for our county.”
David Briggs, CEO of WESTCO and Founder of Sustainable Beef from North Platte Nebraska: “Part of the [Working Families Tax Cuts] tax bill that has really helped my employees is the no tax on overtime.”