'Lies And Division': Montco's Rep. Dean Responds To Trump's Address

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, who represents most of Montgomery County in Washington, lashed out at President Trump this week after she said his speech to a joint session of Congress was riddled with "countless" lies.

Trump's wide ranging address was met with resounding cheers from Republicans and raucous boos and walkouts from many Democrats.

Dean specifically pointed to Trump's claims about rampant fraud in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

"We heard incorrect claims about crucial benefits," Dean said. "We heard lies about tariffs. We heard countless more falsehoods tonight."

"In another year, with another president, I would have hoped this Joint Address to Congress would be a vision for a bright future," she added. "Regardless of party, I would have hoped for an address in which the President invites us all to come together on behalf of the American people. Sadly, I knew better than to hope for that tonight. I am disappointed but unsurprised that President Trump used a joint session to further his lies and division."

While little in Trump's speech — or Dean's response — directly addresses Pennsylvania. or Montgomery County, the policies Trump has championed and Dean has opposed have had trickling effects in the local region.

Montgomery County officials say they have been "ghosted" by the federal government's Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) over the past month, and that the agency has withheld $5 million in critical grant funding. The money is the chief source of funding for Your Way Home, the county's partner in rental assistance, rehousing, and other issues related to domestic violence and the ongoing homeless crisis.

Authorities say there is no actual order to withhold the grant in question. County commissioners said they were told only that some contracts were stalled due to "confusion" at the federal level.

Trump and his administration have boasted of major cost savings and say they are eliminating government waste. But threats of similar cuts or an outright federal freeze in funding have sparked anxiety and chaos as local and county governments and nonprofits reliant upon the funding scramble to find alternatives.

"We know the President will say whatever he wants, regardless of the facts," Dean said. "This is not normal."

Dean's 4th district covers most of Montgomery County, which is full of voters both blue and red and everywhere in between, but the balance of power almost always tilts to the left in recent district and countywide contests.