Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger slammed President Donald Trump over his mass deportation operations in her official Democratic response to the State of the Union and repeated claims her party favors «affordability» even as the Old Dominion sees scores of new taxes.

Spanberger, elected in November to succeed conservative Gov. Glenn Youngkin, has sought to claim the mantle of «affordability,» even as she and Richmond Democrats move to enact or raise new taxes in multiple forms.

Speaking from the original historic House of Burgesses at the head of Colonial Williamsburg’s Duke of Gloucester Street, Spanberger noted how in 1705, the colony first gathered with the «extraordinary task of governing themselves.»

«The United States was founded on the idea that ordinary people could reject the unacceptable excesses of poor leadership, band together to demand better of their government, and create a nation that would be an example for the world,» she said, contrasting that vision with what Trump has brought.

«Tonight, as we watched our nation’s lawmakers gather for a joint session of Congress, we did not hear the truth from our president,» she said, going on to rhetorically ask three questions:

«Is the President working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the President working to keep Americans safe — both at home and abroad? Is the President working for you?»

Spanberger recounted her 2025 election season, traveling around Virginia and addressing, «housing, health care, energy and childcare.»

She blamed Trump’s tariff policies for increasing costs, and claimed it has been Republicans trying to «make your life more expensive.»

Republicans have criticized Spanberger for supporting the legislative Democratic majority’s slew of taxes, from new sales taxes to a levy on fantasy football operators.

DEMOCRATS’ ‘TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME’ ON ‘FULL DISPLAY’ WITH COUNTER-STATE OF THE UNION EVENTS, JOHNSON SAYS

Instead, Spanberger said it was Virginia’s blue legislature that is working to lower costs:

«But here in Virginia, I am working with our state legislature to lower costs and make the Commonwealth more affordable.»

«And it’s not just me. Democrats across the country are laser-focused on affordability — in our nation’s capital and in state capitals and communities across America.»

At one point in her speech, Spanberger appeared to briefly lose her place on the teleprompter:

«But as the President spoke of his perceived successes tonight, he continues to cede economic power and technological strength to Russia … bow down to … China …to bow down to a Russian dictator, and make plans for war with Iran,» she said, as her prepared remarks cited China as the technological rival.

Just as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wielded George Washington’s gavel for the first time in State of the Union history, Spanberger also gave a nod to the famous Stafford, Va., native.

«In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned us about the possibility of ‘cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men’ rising to power,» she said. «But he also encouraged us — all Americans — to unite in ‘a common cause’ to move this nation forward.»

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«That is our charge once more. And that is what we are seeing across the country. It is deeply American and patriotic to do so, and it is how we ensure that the State of our Union remains strong, not just this year but for the next 250 years as well.»

«Because ‘We the people’ have the power to make change, the power to stand up for what is right, and the power to demand more of our nation,» Spanberger said to close her remarks.

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Mexico’s Navy and armed forces have reinforced security across Jalisco following the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as «El Mencho,» in an operation that triggered retaliatory violence and raised concerns for the safety of the many American and foreign tourists who are staying in the area.

In a Feb. 24 press release, Mexico’s Secretariat of the Navy said 103 Marines and tactical vehicles arrived in the main tourist area of Puerto Vallarta aboard the naval vessel ARM «Usumacinta» (A-412) to reinforce surveillance and security operations after attacks targeting businesses and property in several neighborhoods. 

Naval authorities said additional personnel supported by boats, aircraft and ground vehicles were deployed to conduct maritime, aerial and land patrols to help restore order.

The naval reinforcement came as federal authorities sent roughly 2,000 additional soldiers to Jalisco following the cartel leader’s death, Reuters reported.

The operation targeting El Mencho, long considered one of Mexico’s most powerful drug traffickers and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, sparked immediate retaliation from cartel members, including roadblocks, vehicle burnings and clashes across multiple states, AP reported.

Mexican officials have framed the killing as a major blow to organized crime. But analysts caution that removing a cartel leader does not necessarily translate into lasting stability.

David Mora, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, stated that «federal authorities announced that they are reinforcing troop deployments to contain the cartel’s backlash, which may be protracted.»

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The State Department declared El Mencho deceased on Tuesday. (State Department)

Mora added that «El Mencho left no clear heir, and the remaining leaders could dispute control,» and warned that the cartel’s ongoing turf wars with smaller groups, especially in Guanajuato and Michoacán, could intensify as rivals seek advantage.

While the killing delivered President Claudia Sheinbaum «a win with Washington,» Mora said, «it is far from clear the killing will aid the president’s ultimate goal of pacifying Mexico.»

Duncan Wood, a visiting fellow for North America at the Wilson Center, described the operation as a demonstration of state authority but warned the aftermath may hinge on the cartel’s structure.

TRUMP’S ‘TOTAL ELIMINATION’ STRATEGY PAVED WAY FOR FALL OF CARTEL KINGPIN ‘EL MENCHO’

Mexican navy marines guard the area where new clandestine mass graves were found near the town of La Joya, on the ouskisrts of Iguala, Mexico, Thursday Oct. 9, 2014.  ((AP Photo/Felix Marquez))

«The removal of El Mencho represents a meaningful assertion of Mexican state authority against one of the country’s most violent criminal organizations. The chaos that followed was real, but temporary,» Wood said.

«In the medium term, the focus shifts to the resilience of the CJNG’s decentralized cells and the Mexican government’s capacity to sustain a comprehensive security strategy.»

In a statement posted Feb. 24 on X, the Embassy of Mexico in the United States said transit corridors were reopening and public services were being restored, airline operations were returning to normal and Puerto Vallarta International Airport had reopened to domestic traffic.

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Members of the National Guard stand guard outside the facilities of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) in Mexico City, Mexico on Feb. 22, 2026. The security presence outside the FEMDO facilities follows an operation earlier in the day in which cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’ was killed during a military operation in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco, authorities confirmed.  (Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu via Getty Image)

The embassy said some local security measures remain in place and that authorities are working with international partners to ensure safety at transit hubs and tourist destinations.

Whether the surge of troops and naval forces will prevent a broader escalation remains uncertain as authorities brace for potential power struggles within the cartel and continued clashes with rival groups.

Armando Regil Velasco and Reuters contributed to this report

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