ABC responds to President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union

Michael Bellaman, president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors, responded to the 2026 State of the Union address, praising President Donald Trump for his continued focus on the economy, expanding opportunity for American workers and addressing affordability.

“These priorities align with the principles that have guided ABC and its 67 chapters for more than 75 years and continue to drive success across the construction industry, which employs more than 8.3 million people and contributes more than $2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy,” he says.

ABC, a Washington-based trade association representing the construction industry, urged President Trump to restore government neutrality in in federal contracting by reversing President Joe Biden’s project labor agreement mandate.

According to the association, new unionization data reinforces the need for policies that reflect today’s workforce. ABC adds that according to recent government data merit shop, or non-unionized, construction workers make up nearly 89 percent of the U.S. construction workforce.

“Merit shop construction workers build the nation’s most enduring, innovative, high-quality roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, industrial facilities, renewables, airports, data centers and military bases safely, with skill and professionalism,” Bellaman says. “This political powerhouse in the construction industry, according to recent polling, focuses on growth, fairness and worker choice, daily building a brighter future for the workforce and our communities. ABC stands ready to work with the Trump administration and Congress to advance policies that prioritize these values for contractors so they can continue to deliver the best possible value for taxpayers.”

Bellaman added that President Trump’s broader agenda is delivering tangible benefits to the construction industry. He says progress on permitting reform is helping critical projects more forward and a predictable, more balanced approach to the Waters of the U.S. rule is reducing regulatory uncertainty for construction employers nationwide.

ABC added that the new majority on the National Labor Relations Board will bring a more balanced approach to labor law and end regulatory overreach that threatens workers and job creators alike.

“While resilient, the construction industry faces ongoing headwinds from high costs, tariff uncertainty and a chronic workforce shortage,” Bellaman says. “As these concerns mount, the president should note that this industry is key to achieving his promises to lower the cost of housing, infrastructure and energy for American families. ABC urges the president to create the conditions for contractors to thrive with pro-growth policies so that he can deliver on his affordability promise to the American people.”