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MARIETTA, Ga. — Senator Jon Ossoff, a Democrat representing Georgia, expressed concerns on Saturday about the detrimental effects of President Donald Trump’s economic policies, labeling them as a primary issue affecting the state’s economic landscape. He highlighted the “chaos and uncertainty” surrounding these policies, which he believes hampers the ability of both businesses and individuals to make crucial decisions.
As he prepares for his reelection campaign in 2026, Ossoff has intensified his critique of Trump while asserting his intent to collaborate with Republicans to benefit Georgia. Throughout his initial term, he has aimed to establish himself as a senator focused on supporting the state’s traditional interests, including agriculture and military installations.
At 38, Ossoff won his Senate seat in a runoff against incumbent Republican David Perdue in 2021, contributing to the Democratic Party’s control of the Senate. He stands out as the only Democratic senator seeking reelection in 2026 from a state that Trump won in the 2024 election, positioning him as a significant target for the Republican Party in its efforts to maintain its Senate majority.
Currently, the Republican field remains uncertain as Governor Brian Kemp, who has served two terms, contemplates a potential bid against Ossoff. The senator refrained from discussing strategies on how he would face Kemp or any other Republican contender, stating, “I am more than prepared for any challenger.”
In a recent interview with The Associated Press at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Ossoff elaborated on a range of topics, including the challenges posed by the current economic climate:
OSSOFF: “At this moment, and subject to change at any moment based on presidential decisions, businesses face uncertainties that inhibit their investment behaviors. Similarly, families find it difficult to plan their budgets due to the erratic nature of federal economic policies. The administration must clarify its economic goals and execute its plans effectively. The perception that the White House lacks a coherent policy is detrimental to the state’s economic stability.”
OSSOFF: “We are witnessing a president who uses the federal government to suppress dissent and target political opponents—an unprecedented occurrence in American history. This situation is troubling regardless of one’s political beliefs. It serves as a reminder that there will eventually be a Democratic president as well, underscoring the need for checks and balances within our government, as established by our Constitution.”
OSSOFF: “The current push to diminish essential healthcare programs such as Medicaid has dire implications for Georgia, where a significant portion of the population relies on these services. It is concerning that the administration seeks to erase vital programs to finance tax reductions for the wealthiest. Such actions are unpopular across the state. Taking measures that would undermine Social Security and the VA contradict the interests of Georgia’s citizens. My role is to make it clear to the public that these policies are detrimental and to mobilize resistance against them.”
Ossoff reaffirmed his support for legislation tied to a tragic incident involving a nursing student whose death became a rallying point during Trump’s 2024 campaign. This law mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of serious crimes. The individual responsible for Riley’s death has been convicted of murder.
OSSOFF: “The expectation of the American populace is for secure borders, something that I believe the Biden administration has not upheld. There is a general consensus that individuals entering the country illegally and posing a potential threat should be apprehended. However, there is widespread disapproval of aggressive tactics, such as conducting raids in schools or hospitals, and transforming military bases into detention centers. Recent reports of a 2-year-old U.S. citizen being deported without due process highlight the urgent need for immigration policies that are humane and comprehensive.”
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This report has been corrected to reflect that a 2-year-old girl was deported, correcting earlier language that inaccurately suggested otherwise.
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Source
abcnews.go.com