California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff recently criticized his party’s response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, describing it as a “mistake” due to a lack of coordination.

In an interview on ABC’s “This Week,” Schiff emphasized that the absence of a unified Democratic rebuttal allowed Trump to dominate the narrative without facing substantial opposition. He noted that the president’s lengthy speech failed to address key issues affecting American families, such as housing costs, healthcare, and childcare . Schiff’s comments align with critiques from other Democrats, including Senator John Fetterman, who described the party’s response as a “sad cavalcade of self-owns and unhinged petulance,” suggesting it made Trump appear more presidential and restrained . Schiff concurred, stating that the focus should have been on the administration’s economic policies, which he believes are “destroying the economy” and making it harder for Americans to afford essential needs .In contrast, some Democrats, like Senator Bernie Sanders, have rejected the idea of a strategic retreat, with Sanders arguing that the problem lies in the party’s failure to assertively advocate for its policies .

Schiff’s criticism highlights ongoing debates within the Democratic Party about how best to respond to the Trump administration’s policies and messaging. While some advocate for a more aggressive and coordinated approach, others caution against overreacting and emphasize the importance of presenting a clear and compelling alternative agenda.