NCAE Responds to President Trump’s Remarks in State of the Union Address

Arlington, VA – Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – President Donald J. Trump concluded his first State of the Union of his second term late tonight. During his address, President Trump highlighted the steps taken by the administration to enhance economic prosperity and further secure the Nation.

“We now have the strongest and most secure border in American history by far. In the past 9 months, zero illegal aliens have been admitted to the United States. But we will always allow people to come in legally. People that will love our country and will work hard to maintain our country,” said President Trump, early in his remarks.

“President Trump’s State of the Union once again demonstrated his personal commitment to overcoming our challenge of accessing a legal, reliable workforce to continue producing food right here in America,” stated John Hollay, President and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. 

“By securing the border,” Hollay added, “the President has taken the steps necessary to ensure Congress can now move expeditiously to give us the workforce we need to ensure our nation’s food security and keep our farming operations in business. NCAE stands ready to work with President Trump and Congress to bring in the legal farm workers we need who love this country and want to help us maintain it, as the President said.”

About the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE)

NCAE is the only national association focusing exclusively on agricultural labor issues from the employer’s perspective. NCAE is the voice of agricultural employers on employment, safety, and labor law issues and is dedicated to providing American farmers and ranchers with the best available information, tools, and advocacy for managing their workforce.

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