Democrats Shocking Actions and Responses During Trump’s Congress Address

Democrats shattered traditional protocol and displayed unprecedented contempt during President Trump’s joint address to Congress, refusing to join the ceremonial escort and remaining seated when a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor was honored.

Quick Takes

Democratic leaders refused to participate in the traditional escort committee for President Trump’s entry into the joint session as a form of political protest.
Representative Al Green had to be removed by security after causing a significant disturbance during Trump’s address.
Democrats remained seated when President Trump recognized DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor who was made an honorary Secret Service agent.
Several Democratic representatives engaged in various forms of protest, including holding signs with messages like “NO KING” and “THAT’S A LIE.”
Republicans criticized Democrats’ behavior as “pathetic” and “embarrassing,” suggesting it showed an unwillingness to accept election results.

Democratic Leadership Boycotts Traditional Escort

Democratic congressional leaders deliberately broke with longstanding tradition by refusing to participate in the ceremonial escort committee for President Donald Trump’s entry into the joint session of Congress. A spokesperson for Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed this decision was a deliberate protest against the president, stating simply that “It speaks for itself.” This unprecedented rejection of protocol marked a clear political statement against Trump’s administration before he even began his address.

Senate Republicans quickly condemned the Democrats’ actions, stating that those who boycotted the escort committee “should be ashamed of themselves” and that “They would rather throw tantrums than face reality that President Trump won.” This boycott clearly demonstrated the deep political divide currently plaguing Congress and set the tone for what would become an evening marked by numerous demonstrations of Democratic opposition.

Disruption and Removal During Presidential Address

The tension inside the chamber escalated dramatically when Representative Al Green’s vocal protests became so disruptive that Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to call in the Sergeant at Arms to remove him from the floor. This rare and dramatic intervention underscored the heightened partisan atmosphere. Green’s removal represented one of the most confrontational moments of open defiance during a presidential address to Congress in recent memory.

Beyond Green’s direct confrontation, other Democratic representatives engaged in various forms of silent protest. Representative Rashida Tlaib used a whiteboard to display messages like “NO KING” and “THAT’S A LIE” throughout the speech. Over 20 House Democrats held signs with messages like “Save Medicaid” and “Lies.” Democratic women coordinated to wear pink as a protest symbol, while others wore colors in solidarity with Ukraine, creating a visual demonstration of opposition.

Democrats Remain Seated During Recognition of Young Cancer Survivor

Perhaps the most criticized moment of Democratic protest came when President Trump recognized 13-year-old brain cancer survivor DJ Daniel, who had been made an honorary Secret Service agent. While Republicans and many in attendance rose for a standing ovation to honor the young boy’s courage, most Democratic representatives reportedly remained seated and did not applaud. This moment sparked significant backlash on social media and from Republican officials.

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. Numerous commentators expressed disbelief after the address concluded at what many viewed as Democrats allowing their opposition to Trump to override basic compassion. Meghan McCain, whose father Senator John McCain died of brain cancer in 2018, noted the emotional significance of the moment, writing: “This is the first time I can remember crying during a state of the union. Thank you President Trump.” The refusal to acknowledge DJ Daniel’s courage was seen by many as crossing a line beyond political protest.

Continued Democratic Protests and Walkouts

Beyond the specific incidents involving Representative Green and the cancer survivor recognition, the Democratic response included multiple forms of protest throughout the evening. Several Democratic representatives, including Ayanna Pressley, chose to boycott the address entirely. Representative Pressley stated she “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.” This boycott reflected the broader Democratic strategy of protest.

Representative Melanie Stansbury held a sign reading “This is NOT normal,” which was reportedly taken by Republican Representative Lance Gooden, creating yet another moment of direct confrontation between the parties. Throughout the address, many Democrats refused to applaud or stand even during traditionally bipartisan moments, maintaining their stance of resistance to the Trump presidency that began with their refusal to participate in the escort committee.