President Trump criticized Democratic leaders who declined to support his assertion that the primary obligation of the U.S. government is to prioritize the safety of American citizens over that of undocumented immigrants.
The president expressed his disapproval of the Democrats’ refusal to stand, suggesting they should feel “ashamed” for their lack of support.
During his address, Trump extended an invitation to all lawmakers to align with his administration by endorsing a key principle. He urged, “If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support: the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens,” which ignited a wave of applause in the House Chamber that Tuesday night.
In response, Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson, along with Republican members present, rose to their feet. However, many Democrats chose to remain seated, not responding to Trump’s call for support.
Among the Democrats who remained seated was Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, maintaining a stoic expression, while Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar vocalized her dissent by heckling the president.
Omar’s voice could be heard calling Trump a “murderer,” although her words were largely drowned out by the enthusiastic cheers from Republicans.
“You have killed Americans,” Omar shouted at Trump.
“You should be ashamed of yourself not standing up,” Trump snapped as he lashed out at the Democrats.
“You should be ashamed of yourself. That is why I’m also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect the criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who blocked the removal of criminal aliens.
“In many cases, drug lords, murderers all over our country; they’re blocking the removal of these people out of our country. And you should be ashamed of yourself.”
Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, seated next to Omar, wore a pin that said “F–k ICE” as a dig at the administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
Trump ripped Democrats for not standing up after he promised justice for the mother of the murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.
Iryna, 23, was fatally stabbed in August on a light rail train by alleged schizophrenic career criminal Decarlos Brown, who faces the death penalty if convicted.
“No one will ever forget the expression of terror on Iryna’s face as she looked up at her attacker in the last seconds of her life. She died instantly,” Trump said.
“She had escaped a brutal war only to be slain by a hardened criminal, set free to kill in America. Mrs. Zarutska, tonight I promise you that we will ensure justice for your magnificent daughter, Iryna.”
“How do you not stand?” the perplexed president asked as he lambasted the firmly-seated Democratic lawmakers.
During the record-breaking State of the Union address, Trump celebrated his administration’s economic achievements and lashed out at the Supreme Court over their recent tariff verdict.
Trump also tried to woo voters by highlighting his efforts to lower prescription drug costs, and ripped the Democrats over their position on transgender youth.
“Surely we can all agree no state can be allowed to rip children from their parents’ arms and transition them to a new gender against the parents’ will? Who would believe that?” Trump asked.
“We’ve been talking about it. We must ban it, and we must ban it immediately.”
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democrats’ rebuke and claimed Americans didn’t hear the “truth” from Trump.
