During President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday, several Democratic lawmakers seemed to be taking a jab at Elon Musk when Trump spoke against “unelected bureaucrats.
“It’s very simple, and the days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over,” Trump declared, eliciting laughter from some Democrats. The speech began tumultuously as House Speaker Mike Johnson called for the removal of Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, by the House Sergeant of Arms for disrupting Trump’s speech.
Republicans burst into chants and applause as Green was escorted out amidst jeers and cries of “Get out!” and “Goodbye!” Earlier, Green had interrupted Trump, yelling about Medicaid cuts. Democratic lawmakers displayed small circular signs during Trump’s address, with slogans such as “Musk Steals” and “false”.
They flourished these signs whenever Trump touted his achievements, while calls of “Lie after lie after lie,” rang out from their side of the chamber. Unfazed, Trump directly countered them, bolstered by supportive standing ovations from his fellow Republicans.
Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan also participated in the silent protest, holding up a whiteboard that read “That’s a lie!” in response to Trump’s statements on the election and economy, reports The Irish Star.
“It’s very sad and it just shouldn’t be this way,” lamented President Trump, as he chastised Democratic members of Congress for refraining from standing and applauding during his address. As Trump remarked on their behaviour, Democrats remained seated, many with stern expressions.
Despite calls from House Democratic leaders for their party members to exhibit restraint throughout Trump’s speech, Rep. Al Green notably disregarded this advice. Nevertheless, following an initial disruption, the majority of Democrats sat in silence, brandishing small signs protesting Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
As Trump delivered his speech, it provided Democrats an occasion to regroup in Washington following last year’s electoral setbacks; however, it also highlighted internal disputes over whether to actively protest against Trump or to position themselves as dedicated to governance. A few Democrats demonstrated their dissent by donning shirts emblazoned with “Resist” on the back and exiting the House chamber when Trump spoke.
This prompted Republican members to hurriedly occupy the empty seats left behind.
Amidst Trump’s discussion on government cutbacks, Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros of California interrupted, challenging Trump with, “What about the $400 million Tesla contract!”
Increasingly frustrated, Democrats voiced their opposition with exclamations of “Not true!” and “Those are lies!” in response to Trump’s tally of purported reductions to the federal budget.
