California Senator Adam Schiff has voiced concern over what he sees as the Democratic Party’s failure to mount a “coordinated response” to President Donald Trump’s powerful State of the Union address, which captivated millions of Americans eager for real solutions to rising costs and a struggling economy.

Appearing on ABC’s This Week with Jonathan Karl, Schiff didn’t hold back in his criticism of his party’s performance, acknowledging the lack of direction among Democrats during one of the most important political moments of the year.

“I think the lack of a coordinated response in the State of the Union was a mistake,” Schiff said. “Frankly, it took the focus off of where it should have been, which is on the fact that the president spoke for an hour and 40 minutes and had nothing to say about what he would do to bring down costs for American families…”

While Schiff attempted to criticize President Trump for not presenting specific plans to lower costs, his remarks largely ignored the President’s robust defense of American manufacturing, his ongoing efforts to lower inflation through strategic tariffs, and a renewed emphasis on energy independence—all policies that have been widely applauded by working-class voters.

Schiff’s remarks also came in response to Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who recently described the Democratic Party’s messaging failures as “a sad cavalcade of self-owns and unhinged petulance.”

“They’re destroying the economy, and they’re making it harder and harder for Americans to afford things,” Schiff added—ironically echoing conservative critiques of his own party’s mismanagement. While Schiff’s statement appears to be an attempt to blame Republicans, it contradicts recent polling and economic indicators showing voter confidence growing under President Trump’s policies.

ABC’s Karl pressed further, asking how Democrats planned to respond to the president’s surging popularity. He referenced Democratic strategist James Carville, who recently suggested the party should “play dead” and retreat tactically in the face of Trump’s momentum.

Schiff rejected that notion outright but failed to offer a clear alternative vision.

“We need to be advancing policies and making the arguments about what we have to offer… To me, that’s not enough,” Schiff said. “We need to effectively use litigation as we are. We need to effectively use communication to talk to new people in new ways, as we are.”

What was notably absent from Schiff’s comments, however, was any explanation as to why Democrats under President Biden failed to implement effective economic policies in the first place—a central question that many American families are still asking.

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont also pushed back against Carville’s strategy of surrender, stating:

“In fact, the problem is the Democrats have been playing dead for too many years.”

Senator Fetterman didn’t hold back in his online commentary either, criticizing the party’s chaotic and emotionally reactive performance during Trump’s speech.

“A sad cavalcade of self-owns and unhinged petulance. It only makes Trump look more presidential and restrained,” Fetterman wrote on X. “We’re becoming the metaphorical car alarms that nobody pays attention to—and it may not be the winning message.”

These intra-party squabbles on the Left come as President Trump’s approval ratings continue to climb—bolstered by voter support for his recent trade negotiations with China and an improving economic outlook.

Recent polling confirms a clear shift in public sentiment. According to the latest surveys, Republicans now lead Democrats by 8 points on the economy and 6 points on inflation—two issues that continue to dominate voter concerns.

Just last month, Democrats briefly narrowed the gap amid tariff tensions, but this month’s numbers signal a return to a more familiar trend—Republican dominance on pocketbook issues. Earlier this year, the GOP held double-digit advantages on both economic fronts.

Voters cite inflation (29%) and the economy (25%) as their top concerns, followed by immigration and health care, both at 12%. Republicans continue to dominate on immigration policy with a 16-point advantage, while Democrats hold a 12-point edge on health care.

When asked who they trust most overall, 42% of voters backed Republicans, 41% supported Democrats, 6% trusted both parties equally, and 10% trusted neither.

On immigration enforcement, President Trump remains resolute. In the wake of a Biden-appointed judge’s ruling blocking deportations to South Sudan, Trump called on the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene:

“Put an END to the quagmire that has been caused by the Radical Left,” the President urged—underscoring his administration’s commitment to restoring order at the southern border and enforcing the rule of law.

As Democrats remain entangled in internal disputes and strategic misfires, President Trump and the Republican Party appear focused, energized, and increasingly aligned with the priorities of the American people.