U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) issued a statement following President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address, reflecting on key themes from the speech and sharing his perspectives on issues important to Utah.
Curtis noted that while the address included political commentary, he felt President Trump performed well. “I just finished listening to the President’s State of the Union Address. Of course there were some political jabs, but he did a great job, and I wanted to highlight a few of my top takeaways with you,” Curtis said.
He highlighted moments where President Trump honored military veterans, describing these as opportunities for national unity. “The President took a lot of time to honor our military veterans and highlight their heroic stories and inspiring sacrifices. These were special moments to come together as a grateful nation to remember our heroes. I was honored to share the room with them,” Curtis stated.
Curtis also applauded the president’s call against political violence and recognition of individuals affected by it. “One of the most important moments of tonight was when President Trump denounced political violence. I will always applaud calls for civility in our fractured political climate, and it was good of him to honor the fallen Charlie Kirk and recognize Erika Kirk in the gallery,” he said.
A bipartisan moment during the address stood out for Curtis when Team USA Men’s Hockey Team was welcomed into the chamber. He expressed support for honoring Connor Hellebuyck: “I have to say, welcoming the Team USA Men’s Hockey Team into the chamber with bipartisan applause was a top highlight for me. I love that President Trump will present goalie Connor Hellebuyck with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
Turning attention to Utah-specific concerns, Curtis addressed ongoing efforts related to environmental preservation: “Although it wasn’t mentioned in his speech tonight, I’m grateful and excited that President Trump has recently pledged to ‘Make the Great Salt Lake Great Again.’ The drying lake is, as you know, one of the greatest challenges we face in Utah. Having the President’s commitment to providing funding for state-driven proposals to save the Great Salt Lake is an exciting development and opens the door to resources that could help the lake survive and keep our communities healthy and safe.”
On economic issues affecting families in Utah, Curtis commented on cost-of-living pressures while noting recent improvements: “The President is putting the economy front and center. I know Utahns are feeling the pressures from a rising cost of living. Prices were unfortunately made permanently high by the reckless policy decisions of the previous Administration, but with inflation now at its lowest level in five years, wages up, taxes down, and a pro-business regulatory environment, families will see the stability and price certainty they deserve.”
He pointed out continued support through legislative efforts such as expanded child tax credits and lower taxes: “Furthermore, the policies in our Big Beautiful Bill will continue to put more money back into the pockets of American families through policies like the expanded child tax credit; a higher standard deduction; and permanent, lower taxes for Utah’s nearly 250,000 small businesses.”
Discussing energy policy priorities, Curtis underscored energy’s broad impact on economic stability: “We often treat energy as just one of many vertical issues—like healthcare or education. That is a mistake. Energy is the horizontal issue that cuts across the challenges that are top of mind for country including inflation.”
He welcomed steps toward expanding domestic production: “When energy prices go up, price of everything goes up—from food on our tables materials we use build homes…I was grateful hear President Trump tout efforts expand domestic energy production approving permit applications reviving nuclear energy redirecting resources toward practical consumer-driven solutions…An-all-of-the-above approach like this will help us meet enormous demands 21st century ensure future affordable reliable clean.”
Curtis further highlighted progress made on border security under Republican leadership: “Border security is national security. One of president’s Republicans’ greatest achievements has been securing border…Illegal crossings have plummeted lowest level since 1970s…U.S achieved negative net migration 2025…These efforts helping keep communities safe halting flow fentanyl trafficking southern border.”
Concluding his remarks after attending State Union address Curtis said: “Overall this was good night nation heard from president policy practical solutions move country forward proud represent you here Senate hope see all Utah soon.”
