Rep. Young Kim Urges Trump to Highlight Tax, Border Security and Voter ID Achievements in State of the Union Address

Rep. Young Kim urged President Donald Trump on Tuesday to emphasize key accomplishments during his first year of his second term, including a tax package, border enforcement measures, and a voter identification bill.

“In this short period of time, in the first year of his second term, President Trump has accomplished so much,” she said.

“So tonight, as we head into the State of the Union, I hope he will talk about the accomplishments, the results that he was able to bring together,” Kim, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Financial Services Committee, added.

Kim highlighted the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed last year, noting her role in negotiations that raised the state and local tax deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000. She also pointed to proposals eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits.

“Now Americans, as they go and start filing tax returns, they’re going to see the greatest tax benefits of our lifetime,” she stated.

Additionally, she credited the administration with significant improvements in border security, reporting illegal crossings had dropped “by more than 90%” and that the region is no longer a safe haven for cartels or drug traffickers.

Kim also referenced the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and identification when casting ballots.

“These are all common-sense accomplishments, and I hope he focuses on those results,” she said.

Jeff Ball, president and CEO of the Orange County Business Council and Kim’s guest at the State of the Union address, expressed concerns about high fuel costs and other price pressures. He attributed some regional economic disparities to state policies and emphasized federal measures that would “put more money into people’s pockets,” supporting discretionary spending and providing small businesses with “more certainty and more stability.”

Kim and Ball also addressed political tensions surrounding the speech, noting Democrats’ plans to skip it.

“Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, we have to respect the institution, the office of the White House, regardless of who occupies the White House,” Kim stated.

“I do hope that my Democratic colleagues will show up, and you can protest in silence if you want, but you need to show respect for the institution,” she added.

Ball described skipping the speech as “another illustration of the divisiveness that continues to bog down our political process” and warned such political conflict could create instability businesses dislike.

“Business likes to have certainty,” Ball said. “And when you have divisiveness in politics, it often leads to a more unstable market situation.”