Trump puts Congress on the spot — Democrats refuse to stand for Americans

President Trump put the House chamber on the spot Tuesday night, forcing a visual split that may define the immigration debate heading into the midterms. During his State of the Union address, Trump declared that the federal government’s first obligation is to its own citizens — then challenged lawmakers to prove whether they agreed.

“If you agree with the statement, then stand up and show your support: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens,” Trump said.

Republicans shot to their feet. Applause rolled across the chamber, lasting well over a minute. Democrats largely remained seated.

When the clapping finally died down, Trump didn’t let it pass. “Isn’t that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up,” he said, as jeers and shouts erupted from the Democrat side.

The chamber quickly turned chaotic. Several Democrat members began yelling back at the president. Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan was heard shouting, “You killed Alex!” — a reference to Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by immigration enforcement personnel in Minneapolis on Jan. 24. Other Democrats shouted that the administration was “literally killing American citizens,” invoking both Pretti and Renee Good, another Minnesota resident killed during an immigration enforcement operation.

The moment crystallized the broader political fight. Trump framed the issue as a matter of national sovereignty and moral clarity: citizens first. Democrats countered by pointing to controversial enforcement actions and deaths, arguing the administration bears responsibility.

Outside the chamber, senior White House officials amplified the president’s rebuke. Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller posted on X that the image of Democrats refusing to stand was “the most shocking image in the history of the US Congress,” calling it a refusal to affirm that “US government owes its allegiance to US citizens and not foreign criminal invaders.”

The exchange underscored just how raw the immigration battle has become. For Trump and Republicans, the argument is straightforward: a government that cannot prioritize its own citizens has failed its most basic duty. For Democrats, the focus remains on what they describe as the human cost of aggressive enforcement.

But on Tuesday night, the optics were unmistakable. The president asked who believed American citizens come first.

One side stood.

The other didn’t.

President Trump asked Congress: “Stand if you agree: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

Democrats did not stand.

This tells you everything you need to know.

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— America (@america) February 25, 2026