CLPVA Response to President Trump’s Congressional Address
The Classical Liberal Party of Virginia stands for open minds, open markets, and free people—principles best upheld through the rule of law, free trade, and America’s leadership in fostering liberty at home and abroad. Unfortunately, President Trump’s policies undermine these ideals rather than advance them.
The arbitrary and often unlawful firing of federal employees contradicts the fundamental principle that government must operate within the law. The executive branch is not above due process, and dismantling civil service protections weakens institutions meant to serve the people. Bureaucratic reform should enhance efficiency while minimizing disruption to employees and essential functions, not bypass legal safeguards. All efforts to reduce the number of federal employees must be carried out with compassion and respect for their dignity.
America has thrived because of immigration, not despite it. Immigrants bring innovation, labor, and entrepreneurship, driving economic growth while other nations struggle with stagnation. Yet, this administration’s harsh anti-immigration raids undermine these contributions, tearing families apart and instilling fear in communities. A nation built on freedom should welcome those seeking opportunity, not punish them. Restricting immigration doesn’t make us stronger—it weakens the very foundation of our prosperity.
Transgender people and the broader LGBT+ community should not face discrimination or the erosion of civil rights based on identity. Every individual has the right to live freely and peacefully without government interference. When civil rights are stripped from some, we all become less free. A society that values liberty must protect these rights for everyone.
Furthermore, President Trump’s new policy of excluding transgender soldiers from military service weakens our armed forces at a time when recruitment is already struggling. This policy rejects individual merit in favor of broad discrimination, undermining military readiness for no public benefit. The military’s role is to defend the nation, and service should be based on ability, not identity.
Tariffs are taxes on American consumers. Imposing trade barriers on allies does not strengthen America—it raises costs for businesses and families. Free trade, not protectionism, has driven American prosperity and global leadership. Competitiveness comes from innovation and efficiency, not artificial restrictions that stifle competition and provoke retaliation.
Indeed America’s strength lies in its alliances and friends throughout the world. Abandoning long-standing partners while embracing authoritarian regimes betrays the values we have historically championed. Free societies depend on mutual support, and alienating allies while praising those who suppress freedom damages our credibility and influence. The world looks to America not for slogans but for leadership rooted in liberty, democracy, and human rights.
If the President truly seeks to put America first, he must recognize that our nation’s greatness comes not from isolationism, protectionism, or favoritism, but from its historic commitment to liberty, justice, and the rule of law. We urge the administration to realign its policies with these principles—the very ones that have long made America a beacon of freedom.
