"Some Democrats couldn't sit through Trump's speech": 'Sticking needles in my eyeballs'
In response to leaders urging for a "solemn" reaction, numerous lawmakers expressed vehement criticisms towards Trump.
TroibNews 
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries aimed for a "solemn" response to President Donald Trump's congressional address on Tuesday. However, his colleagues had different plans.
As Trump began his speech, Texas Rep. Al Green interrupted him, resulting in his ejection from the chamber. Other Democrats showcased signs criticizing Trump and his policies, repeatedly responding to his partisan remarks with chants and jeers. Many Democratic members chose to walk out, gradually leaving their section of the chamber emptier as the speech progressed.
The minority party continues to struggle in establishing a clear stance and effective message after losing control of government last fall. The protests and walkouts highlighted the challenges Democratic congressional leaders face in channeling the anger of their party's voters, activists, and elected officials.
Jeffries, alongside other party leaders, advised a measured response focused on the consequences of Trump's policies, particularly those linked to his billionaire ally Elon Musk and the changes happening in the Department of Government Efficiency. Lawmakers were encouraged to highlight the impacts of Trump's and Musk’s government restructuring and to invite guests who could attest to the effects of the House GOP budget or Musk’s initiatives.
Some Democratic protests aligned with this guidance. For example, the Congressional Progressive Caucus distributed signs to express disapproval of certain Trump policies, believing their non-verbal protests aligned with leadership’s intentions. This group, along with other Democrats, had previously notified leadership of their plans to protest, even though they were advised against bringing props like signs and whiteboards.
Rep. Mark Takano, a member of the Progressive Caucus who walked out, underscored the importance of maintaining focus on their message, while also emphasizing that there was space for Democrats to clearly state their opposition to Trump.
“We're doing the best with what we have — we don't have gavels,” he remarked.
Following the speech, Jeffries described it as "one of the most divisive presidential addresses in American history" but did not comment on the protests from his caucus. His call for a "solemn" response echoed a term frequently employed by his predecessor, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, known for her limited patience for unsanctioned activism during significant, high-pressure events.
Trump's speech featured moments of intense anger, provoking a reaction from Democrats who shouted “Jan. 6” in response to his praise for law enforcement. After Trump concluded his address, Democrats quickly exited the chamber, with no one remaining to converse with the president.
“To be honest with you, I would have rather spent time sticking needles in my eyeballs than sitting through this speech,” remarked Rep. Jim McGovern. "It was awful."
Many Democrats viewed their protest actions as necessary countermeasures to the disruptions caused by Trump and his supporters.
“If they're moving different, we have to move different, and that's how we match their energy, and that's why I walked out,” stated Rep. Ayanna Pressley. "I did something unprecedented today, because they are doing something unprecedented every day — making history for the wrong reasons."
The trend of demonstrative opposition from the minority party arguably traces back to 2009 when South Carolina GOP Rep. Joe Wilson shouted "you lie" during then-President Barack Obama's address. Recent instances have included Republican members like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert interjecting during President Joe Biden’s speeches. Nevertheless, Republicans criticized the protests during Trump's address.
“The level of vitriol from the Democrats was the worst it's ever been," Rep. Don Bacon shared with reporters. "It's a new, terrible standard."
In contrast, most Democrats refrained from criticizing their protesting colleagues.
“I think that there should be more decorum on both sides, and I think there should be bipartisanship, but unfortunately we're not living in that day and age,” noted Rep. Vicente Gonzalez from a swing district. "There's a lot of emotions around this country, and we saw them tonight on both sides."
Democrats have faced increasing pressure from their base to mount a stronger resistance to Trump, and many of those who protested expressed a desire to demonstrate that defiance.
"It's worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up" to Trump, Green commented after his expulsion. He argued that Trump had "no mandate" to pursue his agenda, elaborating that his protest was against proposed cuts to Medicaid and other essential programs.
Speaker Mike Johnson stated afterward that Green should face congressional censure for his behavior.
Green expressed his readiness to "accept the punishment" and expressed no regrets about his actions.
"It is the best way to get it across to a person who uses his incivility against our civility," he asserted.
Lisa Kashinsky, Mia McCarthy, and Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
As Trump began his speech, Texas Rep. Al Green interrupted him, resulting in his ejection from the chamber. Other Democrats showcased signs criticizing Trump and his policies, repeatedly responding to his partisan remarks with chants and jeers. Many Democratic members chose to walk out, gradually leaving their section of the chamber emptier as the speech progressed.
The minority party continues to struggle in establishing a clear stance and effective message after losing control of government last fall. The protests and walkouts highlighted the challenges Democratic congressional leaders face in channeling the anger of their party's voters, activists, and elected officials.
Jeffries, alongside other party leaders, advised a measured response focused on the consequences of Trump's policies, particularly those linked to his billionaire ally Elon Musk and the changes happening in the Department of Government Efficiency. Lawmakers were encouraged to highlight the impacts of Trump's and Musk’s government restructuring and to invite guests who could attest to the effects of the House GOP budget or Musk’s initiatives.
Some Democratic protests aligned with this guidance. For example, the Congressional Progressive Caucus distributed signs to express disapproval of certain Trump policies, believing their non-verbal protests aligned with leadership’s intentions. This group, along with other Democrats, had previously notified leadership of their plans to protest, even though they were advised against bringing props like signs and whiteboards.
Rep. Mark Takano, a member of the Progressive Caucus who walked out, underscored the importance of maintaining focus on their message, while also emphasizing that there was space for Democrats to clearly state their opposition to Trump.
“We're doing the best with what we have — we don't have gavels,” he remarked.
Following the speech, Jeffries described it as "one of the most divisive presidential addresses in American history" but did not comment on the protests from his caucus. His call for a "solemn" response echoed a term frequently employed by his predecessor, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, known for her limited patience for unsanctioned activism during significant, high-pressure events.
Trump's speech featured moments of intense anger, provoking a reaction from Democrats who shouted “Jan. 6” in response to his praise for law enforcement. After Trump concluded his address, Democrats quickly exited the chamber, with no one remaining to converse with the president.
“To be honest with you, I would have rather spent time sticking needles in my eyeballs than sitting through this speech,” remarked Rep. Jim McGovern. "It was awful."
Many Democrats viewed their protest actions as necessary countermeasures to the disruptions caused by Trump and his supporters.
“If they're moving different, we have to move different, and that's how we match their energy, and that's why I walked out,” stated Rep. Ayanna Pressley. "I did something unprecedented today, because they are doing something unprecedented every day — making history for the wrong reasons."
The trend of demonstrative opposition from the minority party arguably traces back to 2009 when South Carolina GOP Rep. Joe Wilson shouted "you lie" during then-President Barack Obama's address. Recent instances have included Republican members like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert interjecting during President Joe Biden’s speeches. Nevertheless, Republicans criticized the protests during Trump's address.
“The level of vitriol from the Democrats was the worst it's ever been," Rep. Don Bacon shared with reporters. "It's a new, terrible standard."
In contrast, most Democrats refrained from criticizing their protesting colleagues.
“I think that there should be more decorum on both sides, and I think there should be bipartisanship, but unfortunately we're not living in that day and age,” noted Rep. Vicente Gonzalez from a swing district. "There's a lot of emotions around this country, and we saw them tonight on both sides."
Democrats have faced increasing pressure from their base to mount a stronger resistance to Trump, and many of those who protested expressed a desire to demonstrate that defiance.
"It's worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up" to Trump, Green commented after his expulsion. He argued that Trump had "no mandate" to pursue his agenda, elaborating that his protest was against proposed cuts to Medicaid and other essential programs.
Speaker Mike Johnson stated afterward that Green should face congressional censure for his behavior.
Green expressed his readiness to "accept the punishment" and expressed no regrets about his actions.
"It is the best way to get it across to a person who uses his incivility against our civility," he asserted.
Lisa Kashinsky, Mia McCarthy, and Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
