Trump didn’t mention abortion in the State of the Union

February 25, 2026

President Donald Trump's recent congressional address notably excluded any mention of abortion, revealing growing tensions between the White House and anti-abortion activists who were instrumental in his electoral victories. While Trump focused on economic issues and immigration, anti-abortion groups expressed frustration that his administration has failed to act on key priorities, particularly restricting access to mifepristone, the medication used in most abortions that can be obtained through telehealth. Despite some actions like cutting Planned Parenthood funding and pardoning clinic protesters, abortion opponents feel the administration hasn't capitalized on the fall of Roe v.

Who is affected

Anti-abortion activist groups (Students for Life, SBA Pro-Life America, Live Action)
Anti-abortion movement leaders (Kristi Hamrick, Marjorie Dannenfelser, Lila Rose)
President Donald Trump and his administration
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Women seeking abortion services through telehealth
Republican candidates in upcoming midterm elections
Future Republican leaders (Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio)
State attorneys general in states challenging mifepristone access
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill

What action is being taken

The FDA is reviewing mifepristone's approval (though no timeline has been provided)
The Department of Justice is defending the FDA's position in court regarding Louisiana's challenge to telehealth dispensation of mifepristone
SBA Pro-Life America has committed to spending $80 million on midterm races
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is challenging the FDA's 2023 decision to allow telehealth dispensation of mifepristone (hearing occurred the same day as Trump's speech)
About a quarter of abortions are being performed through telehealth

Why it matters

This issue matters because it reveals a significant fracture in the Republican coalition, threatening support from what activists describe as "the most loyal voter" — the pro-life voter — just months before crucial midterm elections. The disconnect is particularly significant given that anti-abortion activists helped secure Trump's two presidential victories, yet feel the administration has failed to deliver on core priorities despite the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade. The situation also matters because abortion rates have actually increased since Roe's fall due to medication abortion availability, undermining what many conservatives viewed as their greatest achievement, and potentially reshaping the political landscape for future Republican leadership.

What's next

SBA Pro-Life America may withhold funding from Republican candidates who don't prioritize abortion restrictions in midterm races
The FDA review of mifepristone's approval will continue (though no timeline provided)
Anti-abortion activists are looking toward potential future Republican leaders like JD Vance and Marco Rubio who may be more supportive of aggressive abortion restrictions
Midterm elections will test whether anti-abortion voters continue to support Republicans despite their dissatisfaction with Trump's actions

Read full article from source: The 19th