(Washington, D.C.) – President Donald Trump’s speech to both houses of Congress was applauded by some Hoosier lawmakers and criticized by others, even as the speech was being made Tuesday night.
While the president spoke about Social Security fraud he says was uncovered by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Democratic Congressman Andre Carson (IN-07) Tweeted that he does not believe such fraud actually exists.
“Trump lied saying he would not touch Social Security, but now he and Musk are trying to destroy it. Musk calls it the “biggest Ponzi scheme ever.” But the fraud he’s talking about simply does not exist,” read Carson’s Tweet. He also lambasted other work by DOGE, saying the president is replacing federal workers with “unqualified MAGA loyalists”.
While he was not Tweeting during the president’s speech, Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan (IN-01), who represents Northwest Indiana, said shortly before the speech on X that he will be focusing on the administration’s budget proposals.
“I stand ready to continue to work with the House Appropriations Committee and all of my colleagues to fulfill our Constitutional obligation to assess the Administration’s budget proposals and find solutions to cut costs for working families, create more work and wealth in our communities, and strengthen our national security,” he said.
While Hoosier Democrats maintained decorum during the speech, representatives from other states did not, being escorted out or leaving the chamber voluntarily. Rep. Al Green of Texas, was escorted out by the Sergeant at Arms, upon request of House Speaker Mike Johnson.
As Mr. Trump spoke of the tariffs that have gone into effect, he also mentioned specifically the plan to manufacture Honda Civics in Indiana, a plan made as the result of tariffs on Mexico, which went into effect Tuesday.
“We’re gonna have growth in the auto industry like nobody’s ever seen. Plants are opening up all over the place,” he said, crediting the tariffs. “That along with other policies will allow our auto industry to absolutely boom. It’s gonna boom! Already numerous car companies have announced they’ll be building massive automobile plants in America, with announcing they’ll be building a new plant in Indiana, one of the largest anywhere in the world.”
That would mean the cars would likely be made at the Honda Indiana Auto Plant in Greensburg (pictured).
At the time of the speech, Honda had not yet made an official announcement about the plans to begin making Civics, its second-best selling car, in Indiana. But, reports by Reuters indicate the plan is to begin making them in May 2028 in the Hoosier State.
The president also spoke of the effect tariffs may have on the steel industry, which could affect operations like U.S. Steel in northern Indiana, saying he believes more steel will be made in America because of the tariffs.
Republican support for the speech was apparent on the floor and on X.
U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) Tweeted a picture from the floor as Pres. Trump entered for his speech, saying, “America is back!” and later Tweeted support for Trump by quoting him on X.
“The nation founded by pioneers and risk takers now drowns under millions and millions of pages of regulations and debt.” “DRAIN THE SWAMP!”
Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN-03) Tweeted his support for the Trump tariffs.
“Trump’s tariffs are bringing jobs back to the Crossroads of America. @POTUS is DELIVERING for Hoosiers!” read Stuzman’s Tweet.
(Network Indiana contributed to this story)
