OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – President Donald Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday night.

In his speech, Trump touted his administration’s achievements and took aim at his predecessor, former President Biden. He also spoke on a number of topics such as current economic conditions and affordability.

Reactions from local lawmakers and the Nebraska Democratic Party are coming in following Tuesday’s speech.

DON BACON

Congressman Don Bacon says he liked the president’s focus on the economy.

“More a lot of good. A few things I would like to fine tune myself, but the emphasis on the economy and the, lower prices for gas, for prices, for energy inflation, lower than wages. That is a theme he needs to be doing all the time,” Bacon said in an interview.

Bacon also shared a full statement:

“The President highlighted several real accomplishments that are strengthening our economy and improving the lives of the American people. The border is secure, violent crime is declining, fentanyl deaths are falling, gas prices are down, and wages are rising faster than inflation for the first time in five years. These are the winning issues that the President should focus on every day.

He is right that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. A nuclear-armed Iran is a serious threat to America and our allies. I am glad he acknowledged the regime’s brutality, including the recent massacre of approximately 50,000 of its own people after they stood up against their government.

I was disappointed to hear the President double down on his approach to tariffs. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives tariff authority to Congress. The Supreme Court’s common-sense and straightforward ruling got it right. Broad-based tariffs are also not smart economic policy, functioning as a tax on American consumers, manufacturers, and farmers, and are unpopular nationwide by roughly two to one.”

DEB FISCHER

In a statement, Sen. Deb Fischer said she was pleased to hear Trump renew some of his commitments.

“Tonight, President Trump articulated the success of his policies to rebuild our military, keep our communities safe, lower energy costs, and realize the American dream for all U.S. citizens. I was pleased to hear the president renew his commitment to securing our borders, strengthening our economy, and cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. I look forward to continuing to partner with him to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

ADRIAN SMITH

Congressman Adrian Smith also released a statement with his thoughts.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering meaningful tax relief for hardworking Americans across the country. We have seen robust engagement with key trading partners, helping to level the playing field for American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and workers.

Americans have seen lower gas prices, decreased inflation, secure borders, and mortgage rates reach a three-year low. While our work is far from over, I am encouraged by the progress we have made and the direction our nation is headed.

I remain committed to working in Congress to build on this progress and ensure that Nebraska’s families, small businesses, and agricultural producers can continue to thrive. Together, we can make the Good Life even better for all Nebraskans.”

PETE RICKETTS

U.S. Senator for Nebraska Pete Ricketts took to social media after the president’s speech.

MIKE FLOOD

A statement from Rep. Mike Flood was shared on the Republican Main Street Caucus’s page.

NEBRASKA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

The Nebraska Democratic Party also shared a statement with First Alert 6, describing the speech as “unhinged” and “decisive.”

“As Americans, we just witnessed the most unhinged and divisive State of the Union address to the nation this evening. Instead of uniting the country, President Trump further drove a wedge between the working class and the billionaires. We continue to witness the greatest shift of wealth from those who need healthcare and want to purchase their first home to those who receive pardons and are part of the Epstein Class.

Trump continued his lies about “no new wars” and how the United States has restored its standing globally. Back at home, Americans will continue to wonder what is happening to our private data that DOGE incompetently handled and voter roll information that was blackmailed from states like Nebraska.

Instead of being straight with us on affordability, he insults us with his alternative reality on grocery prices, energy costs, and unaffordable healthcare premiums. Trump also threw out a new “pledge” that data centers will build their own energy. If he were serious about needed regulations around data centers, this would be a law, not a pledge.

He continued to lie to us about “capturing the worst of the worst” by ICE agents when the administration has clearly detained children and murdered innocent Americans in the streets. 

Trump continues to fatten his pockets via Emoluments Clause violations, making over $5 billion while in office, rather than tell us how he plans to return the average $1,700 he owes Nebraskans in illegal tariff revenue.

Donald Trump made no mention of the Epstein File survivors who attended, or the worst job market in over two decades, or the contributions by immigrants to this nation during his speech. Despite his assertions that our economy is benefiting all, he will continue to profit off the backs of working Americans like no president before, with cryptocurrency schemes, backroom deals with elites, and oil industry takeovers. 

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The Nebraska Democratic Party will continue to organize, ensuring Democratic candidates win back Congress in November and hold Trump and his radical administration accountable. This begins at home, where we will work harder than ever to ensure Nebraskans are fairly represented at all levels of our government.

Since 2025, Democratic candidates have won or outperformed 90% of key races nationwide, including here in Omaha and Lincoln, proving that the movement to oppose this administration will continue. 

Trump’s polling numbers continue to tank as he continues to fail on his two big lies of unifying the country and making things affordable. If there ever was a time to register to vote and cast your ballot, the midterm elections could be the means to stop Donald Trump and his chaotic and dismantling of our great nation. The Nebraska Democratic Party stands ready to do our part to preserve and protect our democracy that has endured for 250 years.”

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Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance has released the 2026 schedule for Beef Quality Assurance and Beef Quality Assurance Transportation certification events. 

The trainings allow attendees to earn both certifications during the same session. 

Beef Quality Assurance is a national program that provides science-based information and practical guidance to beef producers on best management practices for raising cattle under optimal conditions. Core principles include proper animal husbandry, prevention of violative residues and reduced injection site damage. The program has expanded to include cattle handling, facility design, transportation practices, recordkeeping and overall herd health management.

The mission of Beef Quality Assurance is to strengthen consumer confidence in beef by focusing on everyday production practices that influence the safety, quality and wholesomeness of beef products. The program’s principles guide the management of more than 80% of the U.S. cattle supply.

Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance encourages all segments of the beef industry, including producers and cattle transporters, to maintain current certifications, which demonstrate a commitment to responsible management practices and continuous improvement.

Benefits of certification include staying current on industry standards, strengthening consumer trust and supporting cattle health and operational efficiency. Analyses of online calf sales have also shown that certified cattle often bring a premium in video auction markets.

Certification is valid for three years. Individuals certified prior to 2023 may need to renew their certification. 

To learn more about Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance or to find a certification event near you, click here. To register for an event, visit the website or contact Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead at 308-633-0158.

Additional certification events may be added to the 2026 schedule as they become available. Producers are encouraged to check the website periodically for updates.

The 2026 schedule (all times are Central Daylight Time unless otherwise noted):

• North Platte: April 13, 4 p.m., West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road
• Plainview: April 22, 4 p.m., Plainview Public Library, 209 N. Pine St.
• Ithaca: April 23, 4 p.m., Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, 1071 County Road G
• Imperial: May 6, 1 p.m. MDT, Lied Imperial Public Library, 703 Broadway St.
• Holdrege: May 7, 4 p.m., Phelps County Ag Center, 1308 Second St.
• St. Paul: May 13, 1 p.m., St. Paul Library Community Room, 1301 Howard Ave.
• Bladen: June 2, 6 p.m., Webster County Fairgrounds, 459 N. Crescent St.
• Albion: July 8, 5:30 p.m., Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, 2572 State Highway 14
• Bridgeport: Sept. 9, 4 p.m., Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N. Main St.
• Tecumseh: Dec. 1, 1 p.m., Johnson County 4-H Building, 633 N. First St.