In the wake of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address delivered on February 24, 2026, at the US Capitol in Washington DC, several Indian American lawmakers voiced sharp reactions, focusing on issues ranging from economic concerns to government transparency and justice for survivors linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Representative Suhas Subramanyam issued a statement ahead of the speech, signaling skepticism about the administration’s policy direction. “As President Trump continues to break promises and make life harder, I will be listening closely to hear whether he will reverse failed policies that have raised costs, made communities less safe, and taken away health care and benefits from families across our country and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” he said.

Rep. Subramanyam attended the address alongside Sky and Amanda Roberts, the brother and sister-in-law of the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, joining Ranking Member Jamie Raskin in inviting them as guests. The Congressman said the invitation was intended to underscore what he described as unfulfilled commitments by the President regarding the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.

He noted that President Trump had pledged to release all files and support victims, but alleged that key documents remain undisclosed. “I want Trump to look Sky, Amanda, and all the survivors in the eye when he says there is no more to investigate with Jeffrey Epstein, even though 2.5 million documents haven’t been released and key witnesses were never interviewed,” he added.

Rep. Subramanyam further stated that the President has failed the victims and their families, and criticized the administration’s broader record. He said Trump has failed the American people by “not lowering costs, making health care more affordable, or provoking any new wars.”

“Maybe tonight he can turn a new leaf and propose actions that will make life better for the American people. I’m not holding my breath,” he added.

Representative Pramila Jayapal said she chose not to attend the address, instead participating in the People’s State of the Union event. She said she would not sit through what she described as misleading claims in the President’s remarks.

“We won’t stand by and accept Trump’s attacks on our communities, our neighbors, and our democracy,” she said, adding, “As expected, Trump’s speech tonight was full of lies about the State of the Union.”

According to Rep. Jayapal, “costs are up, unemployment is up, and people are struggling.” She also said that attempts to “scapegoat” immigrants and trans people would not change those realities.

Representative Ami Bera said he declined to engage in what he characterized as partisan theatrics. “I’m not going to participate in President Trump’s political games. My first duty is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States,” he said.

Representative Ro Khanna attended the address with Haley Robson, identified as a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, as his guest. “Their courage moved a nation. I am appalled by those smearing her instead of calling for justice against predators. We will not rest until the survivors get justice,” he said.

Rep. Khanna also posted a photograph with Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican who co-sponsored legislation related to the Epstein case. “It is still possible to cross the aisle in America,” Rep. Khanna wrote, noting they were “Together with Massie at the State of the Union for justice for Epstein survivors and no war in Iran.”

Representative Shri Thanedar also criticized the President’s address, referencing fact-checking efforts during the speech. “47 fact checks for our 47th President. Thank you for following along tonight! While tonight’s SOTU was full of lies, rest assured that I will always fight to lower your costs and hold Trump accountable for the damage he is doing to our community,” he said.

Related posts:

Epstein Files Release Rekindles Political Fault Lines, Tests Trump’s Transparency Pledge U.S. Lawmakers Urge Former Prince Andrew to Testify in Epstein Investigation US House Passes Epstein Files Transparency Act in Overwhelming Vote as Survivors Demand Full Disclosure Trump Aims for Democrats’ Jugular with New Epstein Demands — Even as MAGA Fractures Over Files