Trump’s State of the Union “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” Warning for Democrats

By Charlie McCarthy | Wednesday, 25 February 2026 07:59 AM EST

Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump used the State of the Union address to “pin the tail on the donkey” and warned that Democrats would repeat their failed policies if they regained control of Congress.

In an interview, Sessions described Trump’s speech as a defining moment for the country and the Republican Party.

“What a tour de force the president was last night,” Sessions said, calling Trump a steady, paternal figure guiding the nation back from what he characterized as a period of instability and decline.

“I think it’s very apparent he looked like our father – proud of not only the country’s achievements, but proud of the things that he thinks he has led us to,” Sessions added.

The congressman contrasted the current state of the nation with “just over a year ago,” when he described Americans facing fear, unchecked federal spending, an open southern border, rising crime, and billions of dollars in taxpayer costs tied to illegal immigration.

“The president stopped this,” Sessions declared, arguing that Trump’s agenda reflects “one proud grandfather” highlighting everyday Americans who embody the spirit of the nation.

Sessions said the enthusiasm in the chamber was unmistakable, with chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A” reflecting a reinvigorated Republican base.

At the same time, Sessions noted that Trump “drew lines of division” by holding Democrats accountable for policies Republicans argue weakened border security, fueled inflation, and diminished America’s standing abroad.

“He did pin the tail on the donkey because the American people understood — and he did too — they’d do the same thing again,” Sessions said, warning that a Democrat-controlled Congress would bring back what he described as open borders and global weakness.

Sessions also highlighted Trump’s economic message, including claims of renewed dollar stability and trillions of dollars in investment flowing back to the United States.

“The president, as you know, went to work and brought in $6 trillion from around the world that would have gone to other markets,” he said.

He pointed to a surging stock market — “50,000 — who would have ever thought?” — as a symbol of restored confidence after years of stagnation.

While acknowledging “we’ve got work to do on cost of farms,” Sessions stated the broader trajectory is clear.

“We are headed in a trajectory, as President Trump said, not only for the Golden Age but for the good part of American citizens who have stability,” Sessions added. “Goals of a generation will be met with Donald Trump.”