Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, a member of the progressive “Squad,” ignited controversy during President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night. She was observed chanting “KKK” in response to Republican chants of “USA,” drawing widespread criticism.
The incident occurred as Republicans celebrated President Trump’s speech with enthusiastic applause. Tlaib’s chant was directed toward her colleague, Rep. Ilhan Omar, as a form of mockery aimed at the far-right group. The moment was captured on video inside the House chamber, adding fuel to the ongoing political tensions.
The National Republican Congressional Committee quickly condemned Tlaib’s actions, sharing a video of the incident on X (formerly Twitter). They commented, “Everything you need to know about today’s Democrats. They cannot stand this country, they cannot stand its comeback, & they cannot hide their contempt anymore.”
Critics of Tlaib, who has previously faced scrutiny for wearing a “F–k ICE” pin and vocally opposing Trump during his speech, expressed their outrage. Many called for her and Rep. Omar to be expelled from Congress, labeling their actions as “offensive” and “treasonous.”
One user on X, identifying as a Black American, voiced strong disapproval, stating, “As a Black American, watching Tlaib, a non-Black person chant ‘KKK’ is beyond offensive. That word carries generations of terror and pain; it’s not a prop for political theater. This is conduct unbecoming of a Member of Congress. Censure her.”
“As a Black American, watching Tlaib, a non-Black person chant ‘KKK’ is beyond offensive,” one X user raged, adding, “That word carries generations of terror and pain; it’s not a prop for political theater. This is conduct unbecoming of a Member of Congress. Censure her.”
Another chimed in: “They absolutely embarrassed themselves last night.”
“Tlaib and Omar need to be removed from Congress,” one online naysayer fumed.
“It’s unbelievable the hatred they have for the USA. Why is this being allowed without consequences?”
A rep for Tlaib did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Trump slammed the “mentally deranged” progressive tag team on Truth Social Wednesday, calling for them to “be institutionalized” for their antics during his nearly two-hour marquee address.
“When you watch Low IQ Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, as they screamed uncontrollably last night at the very elegant State of the Union, such an important and beautiful event,” Trump posted on his social platform. “They had the bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people, LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick who, frankly, look like they should be institutionalized.
“When people can behave like that, and knowing that they are Crooked and Corrupt Politicians, so bad for our Country, we should send them back from where they came — as fast as possible.”
Tlaib and Omar – the first female Muslim lawmakers elected to Congress – spent much of Trump’s speech on their cellphones, frequently breaking to lash out at him before leaving early.
The two also declined to join dozens of their Democratic colleagues who boycotted the speech.
