Democrats were determined to make their disdain for President Trump known during his first congressional address of his second term. From eye-catching protest attire to dramatic walkouts, the left’s theatrical display of opposition highlighted the deep partisan divide that continues to define Washington.
At a Glance
- Multiple Democrats walked out during President Trump’s congressional address, including Reps. Maxwell Frost and Jasmine Crockett
- Rep. Al Green was removed from the chamber for heckling President Trump
- Democratic women wore pink as a symbol of protest against Trump’s policies
- Some Democrats displayed signs with messages like “Musk Steals” and “Save Medicaid”
- Several prominent Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, skipped the address entirely
Partisan Theatrics on Full Display
President Trump’s first address to Congress since beginning his second term was met with stark partisan reactions. While Republicans repeatedly rose to their feet in enthusiastic applause, Democrats staged various forms of protest throughout the evening. The President acknowledged the cold reception from the left side of the aisle.
“I realize there is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy or make them stand and smile or applause,” President Trump said. “These people standing right here will not clap, will not cheer.”
The most dramatic moment came when Representative Al Green (D-Texas) was forcibly removed from the chamber after repeatedly heckling the president, shouting “You don’t have a mandate” during Trump’s remarks. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for Green’s removal to “uphold and maintain decorum,” a decision that received strong support from Republicans.
Protest Fashion and Staged Exits
Democratic congresswomen coordinated by wearing pink attire to symbolize opposition to Trump’s policies affecting women and families. “Pink is a color of power and protest,” Representative Teresa Leger Fernández explained. Meanwhile, other Democrats wore blue and yellow to show solidarity with Ukraine, seemingly in response to Trump’s comments about ending the war with Russia.
Several Democrats made particularly bold statements with their protest clothing. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Florida) wore a shirt reading “NO KINGS LIVE HERE” before walking out of the chamber in protest. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) sported a “RESIST” shirt and later referred to the event as the “State of the DisUnion,” reportedly calling Trump “an enemy to the United States.”
Statement from Dem Rep. Andrea Salinas of Oregon about why she stood and gave her back to Trump with "RESIST" shirt.
"In protest, I decided to leave the House Chamber early, rather than listen to more false promises from a wannabe dictator." https://t.co/kwLu9kh0kL
— Daniella Diaz (@DaniellaMicaela) March 5, 2025
Trump Highlights Early Victories
Despite the Democratic theatrics, President Trump remained focused on highlighting his administration’s accomplishments during his first six weeks in office. He touted actions including ending foreign aid, banning transgender athletes from school sports, and implementing tariff policies designed to protect American workers.
“America is back, and we are just getting started,” President Trump said. “We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four years or eight years — and we are just getting started.”
Trump also praised Elon Musk’s efforts to improve government efficiency, despite Democrat protests over federal worker layoffs. The President announced the capture of a terrorist leader involved in the 2021 Kabul airport attack and called for an end to the war in Ukraine, stating, “It’s time to stop this madness. It’s time to halt the killing. It’s time to end the senseless war. If you want to end wars, you have to talk to both sides.”
Boycotts and No-Shows
Beyond those who walked out during the speech, several prominent Democrats chose to boycott the address entirely. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Chris Murphy, Sen. Brian Schatz, and Rep. Don Beyer were among those who announced they would not attend, further underscoring the deep partisan divide currently gripping Washington.
“In the spirit of student protestors from the Civil Rights Movement, I’m proud to have protested and walked out with many of my colleagues. This is NOT a normal time,” Rep. Maxwell Frost said.
While Democrats attempted to use the evening to signal their resistance to Trump’s agenda, the president appeared undeterred, concluding his address with his vision for America’s future, declaring that “the Golden Age of America has only just begun.”
