Democrats Outrageous Actions and Responses During Trump’s Congress Address

Democratic leaders boycotted President Trump’s congressional address escort committee and remained seated during a tribute to a young cancer survivor, sparking outrage across party lines.

Quick Takes

Democratic leaders refused to join the traditional escort committee for President Trump as a form of protest.
Rep. Al Green was removed by the Sergeant at Arms after causing a disruption during Trump’s address.
Most Democrats remained seated during Trump’s recognition of 13-year-old brain cancer survivor DJ Daniel.
Some Democratic lawmakers held protest signs and wore symbolic colors during the joint session.
Republican lawmakers condemned Democrats’ behavior as “pathetic” and “embarrassing.”

Democrats Refuse to Escort President Trump

In an unprecedented break with congressional tradition, Democratic leaders refused to join the escort committee responsible for President Donald Trump’s entrance into the joint session of Congress. When approached by Speaker Mike Johnson about participating in the ceremonial escort, Democratic leadership declined the invitation. A spokesperson for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed the deliberate absence with a terse statement that left little doubt about the intentional snub with a spokesperson stating “It speaks for itself.”

Republican lawmakers were quick to condemn the Democrats’ actions. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas characterized the boycott as both “pathetic” and “embarrassing,” while Senate Republicans issued a statement suggesting Democrats “would rather throw tantrums than face reality that President Trump won.” The refusal to participate in the longstanding bipartisan tradition signals the continued political division following Trump’s electoral victory.

Protests Disrupt Trump’s Address

The tensions continued inside the chamber as Trump delivered his speech. Some Democratic members engaged in vocal protests, culminating in the removal of Representative Al Green by the Sergeant at Arms at Speaker Johnson’s direction. The Texas Democrat’s outburst created a significant disruption during the presidential address, requiring security intervention to restore order in the chamber.

Other forms of protest were less disruptive but equally visible. Representative Rashida Tlaib displayed messages on a whiteboard including “NO KING” and “THAT’S A LIE” during various points in the speech. Over 20 House Democrats held printed signs with messages like “Save Medicaid” and “Lies.” Representative Melanie Stansbury’s sign reading “This is NOT normal” was reportedly taken by Republican Representative Lance Gooden, adding to the evening’s tensions.

Democrats Remain Seated During Cancer Survivor Recognition

Perhaps the most criticized moment of Democratic protest came during President Trump’s recognition of 13-year-old brain cancer survivor DJ Daniel. The President introduced the young boy, who was made an honorary Secret Service agent, as an example of American resilience and hope. While Republicans and many in attendance rose for a standing ovation, numerous Democratic lawmakers reportedly remained seated during this recognition.

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” stated Trump administration official Ric Grennell. This particular moment sparked significant backlash on social media and from political commentators. Meghan McCain, whose father Senator John McCain died of brain cancer in 2018, shared an emotional response to the moment. Others, like Outkick founder Clay Travis, questioned how the Democratic Party could refuse to stand for a child cancer survivor. Some Democrats and liberal commentators defended the reaction, suggesting Trump was using the child as a political prop.

Coordinated Democratic Symbolism

Beyond individual protests, Democratic lawmakers coordinated symbolic displays of opposition. Many Democratic women wore pink as a protest symbol related to women’s healthcare concerns. Others dressed in colors meant to show solidarity with Ukraine. Some members, like Representative Ayanna Pressley, chose to boycott the address entirely rather than provide an audience for Trump’s speech.

The evening’s events demonstrate the significant partisan divide that continues to characterize American politics. While protests during presidential addresses are not unprecedented, the refusal to join the escort committee and the reactions during the recognition of a young cancer survivor have drawn particular scrutiny. The controversy highlights the challenge of maintaining traditional norms of civility in an increasingly polarized political environment.