ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Response to President Donald Trump’s address Tuesday evening shows the divide in Tampa Bay and nationwide.

Of the issues supporters and critics clash on, differing views on the economy to the impact on government cuts remain evident.

For John Swiercinsky of Clearwater, Trump’s background in business and plans for the economy prompted him to support his run for a second term.

“There is opportunity for the economy to come back and to grow,” he said.

Swiercinsky, a father of three, said it’s been more costly to put food on the table in recent years. He applauds the Trump administration in his efforts to save taxpayers money through actions implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE.

“Let’s stop spending money externally and start worrying about actually making things better, making our country more self-sufficient,” he said. 

Stan Mack of Pinellas Park noted the president’s approach to the economy but also on national security.

“I trust him, and I feel safe and it’s been a long time since I’ve felt safe,” Mack said.

While the cost of goods remain higher, Mack said he believes the efforts being made from the Trump administration will pay off long-term.

On the other side, protests by Tampa City Hall and parts of the country continued against Trump.

Democrat voters like Karen Clay of Tampa worry the cuts will come at a price. Clay is watching the impact on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

 “I’ve never been more concerned over anything in my life,” Clay said.

Clay was in Washington D.C. with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor as a guest to the president’s address.

The health care advocate lost her son Michael in 2020. He had been diagnosed with a severe form of spinal muscular atrophy making access to health care vital throughout his life.

 “I’m continuing to fight because that’s what my Mike would want me to do,” she said. “Medicaid is not only a lifeline, but it’s a life.”