Trump’s State of the Union made no effort to unify, only divide | Opinion

The President recently spoke regarding the State of our Union. No effort was made to unify, only to divide.

Differences in our views of the economy were apparent. For those whose incomes rely on investment, the record-breaking DOW was paramount. For the 99% of Americans who judge the economy by their tab at the grocery store, or the size or lack of a paycheck, the Dow has little significance. The difference of perspective was obvious, and the President seems oblivious.

The disparity of recognition between white male vs. everyone else was troubling. Men received medals. Erica Kirk and other women were introduced as “the wife of.” There was a lack of color among those recognized.

American citizens who lost their lives due to irresponsible acts of ICE agents were not mentioned. The lack of due process nor the inhumane treatment of those legally and illegally detained resulting in several deaths was not addressed.

The speech highlighted and broadened the division between “we the people” and the current regime. Days later, the President illegally bombed Iran and began another war in the Middle East. The State of the Union is in disarray. Find and attend a No Kings rally March 28.

Penny Neely, Caldwell

Dams ruling

A federal court in Portland, Oregon, issued an order on February 25, which will give young endangered salmon and steelhead a much-needed assist in navigating the Lower Snake River from Idaho to the Pacific. From March 1 until the end of August, an increase in spill has been ordered for all 8 dams in the Columbia Basin. While the spill amounts are similar to those of the past few years, this is still a major victory for these endangered species. Not only is this a huge victory for tribal treaty rights and for science, but the acknowledgement of both could also lead to essential changes to the Lower Snake River hydro/barge/irrigation system.

More needs to be done to recover endangered salmon and steelhead, specifically, the restoration of the Lower Snake River. Salmon and steelhead runs to Idaho and the northwest are invaluable, not only as keystone species in our ecosystems, but as they are central to our region’s culture, economy, and identity. The spill order will hopefully keep these species from extinction as the court case continues. While it’s a small step, it’s a necessary step in the right direction for salmon and steelhead revitalization.

Ruby Bollinger, Boise

Large trucks

I am requesting that you write your legislator and request they vote “no” on HB 664, which eliminates a lower speed limit for vehicles with five or more axles operating at a gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds. I am from Twin Falls and own my business, with offices in Twin, Burley, Boise and Nampa. I commute weekly on Interstate 84 between offices and have been doing so for over 10 years. During that time, I have witnessed many times where the larger (over 26,000 pounds) trucks exceed the allowable 70 mph speed limit. I have observed that these larger trucks cannot safely operate when they drive at speeds exceeding 70 mph.

During my commutes I have witnessed firsthand several near misses resulting from trucks exceeding the allowable 70 mph speed limit. They appear oblivious and uncaring of the surrounding traffic snarl and the increased safety hazard resulting. Allowing them to legally operate at 80 mph higher speeds will only add to the problem and will exponentially multiply the resulting increase in safety hazards. This safety hazard will be further multiplied by trucks pulling double (and triple) trailers, allowing them this speed increase is unconscionable and shouldn’t even be considered.

Passing HB 664 will result in a significant increase in traffic fatalities. Tell your representative to vote no on HB 664.

Tony Mayer, Meridian

Immigration

Immigration enforcement is no longer an abstract national debate, it is unfolding in Idaho in real time. Over the past year, ICE activity in our state has increased dramatically. Reporting by the Idaho Capital Sun shows that ICE arrests in Idaho rose from 41 in early 2024 to more than 360 during the same period in 2025, an increase of nearly 800 percent.

Behind those numbers are families and communities. In February, the ACLU of Idaho filed a class-action lawsuit challenging tactics used during a large immigration operation in Wilder. The lawsuit alleges that hundreds of people, including children and some U.S. citizens, were detained, raising serious concerns about civil rights and due process.

As a social worker and Idaho native, I believe policy must always be measured by its human consequences. When parents disappear from households overnight and children watch their families torn apart, something fundamental has gone wrong.

Reasonable people may disagree about immigration policy. But due process, human dignity and family integrity should never be optional. Idaho deserves enforcement that respects the Constitution and the humanity of the people who live here.

Devon Van Kleek, Boise

Short-term rentals

As an Idaho native and short-term rental host, I’ve seen firsthand how welcoming guests into my home supports Idaho families and visitors.

We first decided to host our home so we could move in with our daughter-in-law and four grandchildren while our son was away for six months of military training. Hosting gave us the flexibility to support our children, provide peace of mind to our son as he prepared to serve our country, and keep our mortgage paid at the same time.

Our very first guest was a seasoned international traveler who told us it was the best rental he had ever stayed in in the United States. We were truly honored to provide such a wonderful experience for him, all while being able to help our family and preserve the home we would later return to.

Responsible hosting can play a meaningful role in supporting families and local economies throughout Idaho.

Arisa McRoberts, Boise