Morning Joe Unrelenting bigotry, lies and attacks: Joe reacts to Trump’s State of the Union
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Feb 25, 2026 Lisa Rubin, senior legal reporter and ex-litigator, explains missing DOJ memos tied to an accuser. Jonathan Lemire, political reporter, breaks down Trump's State of the Union tone and GOP reactions. They discuss bigotry and immigration targeting. They cover election lies, January 6 context, tariff claims, and how economic messaging lands with voters.
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State Of The Union Employed Targeted Scapegoating
- Joe Scarborough called Trump's State of the Union rife with unrelenting bigotry and targeted attacks, notably against Somali-Americans in Minnesota.
- Scarborough warned such scapegoating mirrors historical regimes that pick groups to blame and warned Republicans' repeated immigration crime claims are contradicted by studies.
Election Lies Remain Central To Trump's Narrative
- Willie Geist and Joe noted Trump repeatedly pushed election fraud conspiracies and refused to accept 2020 results, framing it as a personal grievance about a 'third term.'
- They highlighted GOP figures in Georgia and others who have publicly rejected those lies, showing a split within the party.
Presidential Power Can't Replace Legislative Action
- Joe Scarborough and others argued Trump still believes he can govern without Congress, repeatedly saying "I don't need Congress."
- They warned unilateral actions lack staying power and legislation passed with Congress endures beyond an administration.