Democrats Disgusting Actions and Responses During Trump’s Congress Address

Democratic leaders rejected their traditional role in President Trump’s joint congressional address, sparking outrage when they later refused to stand for a young brain cancer survivor honored during the speech.

Key Takeaways

Democratic leadership boycotted the customary escort committee for President Trump’s arrival at the joint session of Congress as a form of protest.
During Trump’s address, Rep. Al Green caused such a disruption that the Sergeant at Arms had to remove him from the chamber.
When President Trump recognized 13-year-old brain cancer survivor DJ Daniel, most Democrats remained seated and did not applaud, drawing widespread criticism.
Multiple forms of Democratic protest occurred including members holding signs with messages like “NO KING,” “THAT’S A LIE,” and “This is NOT normal.”
Over 20 Democratic representatives participated in organized visual protests, with some wearing pink as a symbol of opposition.

Democrats Boycott Traditional Escort Committee

Democratic leadership made the unprecedented decision to decline participation in the escort committee for President Trump’s arrival at the joint congressional session. A spokesperson for Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed this choice, offering only the brief statement: “It speaks for itself.” This marked a significant departure from longstanding tradition where leaders from both parties formally accompany the president into the chamber for major addresses.

Republicans promptly condemned the Democrats’ actions. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas described the boycott as “pathetic” and “embarrassing,” while Senate Republicans issued a statement asserting that Democratic representatives “would rather throw tantrums than face reality that President Trump won.” The refusal represented one of several coordinated protest actions taken by Democrats during the joint session.

Disruptions During Presidential Address

The most dramatic moment of protest came when Representative Al Green of Texas created such a disruption during Trump’s speech that Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the Sergeant at Arms to remove him from the chamber. The extraordinary scene unfolded before the assembled Congress and national television audience, underscoring the deep partisan divisions that continue to characterize Washington politics.

Beyond this dramatic ejection, numerous other forms of protest occurred throughout the chamber. Representative Rashida Tlaib used a whiteboard to display messages including “NO KING” and “THAT’S A LIE” during various points in the speech. Over 20 House Democrats held prepared signs with messages like “Save Medicaid” and “Lies,” while Democratic women coordinated to wear pink as a symbol of opposition. Some representatives even chose to walk out rather than remain for the full address.

Cancer Survivor Snub Draws Widespread Criticism

Perhaps the most controversial moment came when President Trump recognized 13-year-old brain cancer survivor DJ Daniel, who had been made an honorary Secret Service agent. While Republicans rose for a standing ovation, most Democratic members remained seated and did not applaud. This reaction immediately sparked outrage across social media and conservative news outlets.

The democrats don't matter. They showed their true colors.

We stand with you, DJ Daniels. America stands behind you, little man. We are so proud of you. pic.twitter.com/LnB5ujiIKh

— Sassafrass84 (@Sassafrass_84) March 5, 2025

“A terminally ill child with brain cancer is given an honorary Secret Service award and the Democrats refuse to stand or clap for the child,” wrote former Trump administration official Ric Grennell on social media. Meghan McCain, whose father Senator John McCain died of brain cancer in 2018, wrote emotionally about the moment stating “This is the first time I can remember crying during a state of the union. Thank you President Trump.” Other conservative commentators similarly criticized Democrats for allowing partisan politics to extend to a moment recognizing a child’s brave health battle.

Competing Justifications for Protest

Democrats defended their various protest actions as necessary responses to what they perceive as threats from the Trump administration. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida stated, “We’re sending a message to Donald Trump that we’re not going to let him run over our women’s access to health care, to the care that is necessary for our families.” Some members who chose to leave entirely, like Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, offered stronger justifications stating “I could not in good conscience sit through this speech and give an audience to someone who operates with lawless disregard for Congress and the people of this nation,”

The cumulative effect of the escort committee boycott, disruptions requiring removal, visual protests, and the perceived snub of a cancer survivor created a visual representation of the intense partisan divide currently characterizing American politics. While Republicans framed these actions as childish and disrespectful, Democrats maintained they were exercising appropriate forms of protest against policies and leadership they fundamentally oppose.