State of the Union highlighted political fracture between Democrats, Trump

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch
The Center Square

The State of the Union proved to be anything but unifying between President Donald Trump and Democrats, with many Democrats making their disdain for the president clear.

Over 70 congressional Democrats boycotted the address, while many in the chamber defiantly protested the president.

Trump at times called out Democrats for failing to applaud or stand for parts of his speech. The most notable moment of the evening was when the president called on members of Congress to stand in support of American citizens.

“I’m inviting every legislator to join with my administration and reaffirm a fundamental principle. If you agree with this statement and stand up and show your support. The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens,” said the president.

As the camera spanned over the gallery, the Democratic side sat stoically, while Republicans stood and applauded for an extended period.

The president used the moment to chastise Democrats, telling them that they should be “ashamed of themselves.”

The moment spurred a strong reaction from U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., shouting in response that the president should be “ashamed.” She then accused the president of “murdering” American citizens.

Sitting next to Omar, joining in shouting was fellow squad member Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., who chose to wear a “F— ICE” pin.

Despite Omar and Tlaib’s shouting, it was Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who was removed from the chamber after holding up a sign, marking the second year in a row he was ejected from the House floor during Trump’s State of the Union.

Meanwhile, a group of Democrats who skipped the address instead attended the “People’s State of the Union” hosted by the progressive group MoveOn.

The White House was quick to pounce on Democrats’ protest to the president’s address, releasing a list of portions of the president’s speech when a majority of Democrats failed to applaud.

Following the president’s speech, Democrats gave two formal rebuttals delivered by Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif. Spanberger focused on affordability, while Padilla, who delivered his speech in Spanish, focused on Trump’s immigration laws, warning that the president was using immigration officials to “manipulate” the midterm elections.

The president is scheduled to travel to Corpus Cristi, Texas, Friday, his first speech since his State of the Union address.