The Group Chat: State of the Union 2026

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Black Americans are bearing the brunt of policies that have dismantled protections, freedoms, and opportunities during the first year of Donald Trump's second term.

Tonight, we're watching Trump's first State of the Union address of his second term. Let's watch, discuss, and plot the path forward.

9:23 p.m. ET - Wow. A standing ovation to ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)...

9:12 p.m. ET - The President inherited a nation that he ran into the ground with a tariff that impacts the cost of living for the American people! ~ Keisha Bross, Director, Center for Opportunity, Race, and Justice

9:10 p.m. ET - How can a nation be back when millions have had their healthcare ripped away, others are overwhelmed by soaring healthcare costs, and health disparities continue to cause sickness and death? ~ Dr. Chris Pernell, Director, Center for Health Equity

8:50 p.m. ET - Prep for Midterms in November has already begun. The State of the Union isn't just political noise. What gets said from that podium affects your rent, your healthcare, your ability to vote, and your kids' future. See it for yourself, draw your own conclusions based on your current circumstances - don't just hear about it tomorrow. ~ Tyler Sterling, National Campaigns Director

7:57 p.m. ET - It might be hard for someone to want to watch the SOTU and I can't blame them if they sit this one out. But, so far, almost every policy that has come out of this Administration has negatively impacted our community and so I'm watching to know what's coming and to prepare to fight back! ✊🏿 We have to pay attention, educate others, and resist. ~ Phaedra Jackson, VP, Unit Advocacy and Effectiveness

4:55 p.m. ET - Tonight, President Trump will deliver his State of the Union Address. But let's be clear: words without ruth or action mean nothing. And remember: our vote is our currency and we remain the most reliable voting bloc for decency in this country. We will not be silenced. ~ Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO

4:47 p.m. ET - The kind of policy violence we've seen against our community has become the hallmark of this Administration, proving to all Americans that cruelty was always the point. But the spirit of Black America has always been strong and will never be broken.

Whatever Trump says tonight, here's what we know to be true:

🩺 Trump is Making America Sicker
The administration's attacks on healthcare access are making America sicker, especially Black communities.

🌎 Trump is Burning the Country
The administration is accelerating fossil fuel expansion and fast-tracking dirty data centers into Black and frontline communities while gutting agencies that protect us, like the EPA, FEMA, and NOAA.

📉 Trump is Breaking the Economy
Trump's economy is straining Black families. Black unemployment is at 7.2%. High inflation, rising housing and food costs, mass layoffs, stagnant wages, and crushing student debt are eroding economic security — especially for the 300,000+ Black women who've lost their jobs.

🗳️ Trump is Attacking Democracy
Trump is actively working to block Black access to the ballot box through gerrymandering, proof-of-citizenship barriers, attacks on vote-by-mail, and voter intimidation.