Several Democratic members of the U.S. House had intentions to disrupt President Donald Trump’s upcoming speech with their own protest, a strategy that has been thwarted by party leadership.
Earlier this week, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and his senior aides provided directives to fellow Democrats, advising them to remain silent during President Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday evening. Instead, they were encouraged to invite members of the public who had been adversely affected by the administration’s actions in the initial six weeks, including individuals among the many who were dismissed from federal positions.
Many members heeded this advice and were ready to escort former government employees onto the House floor, where they would have the opportunity to confront Trump. However, for some, this approach was insufficient.
A more assertive faction within the caucus had intended to create a disturbance during the speech, as indicated by a source dissatisfied with Jeffries’ recommendation for a quiet protest. “We all agree that this is not business as usual, and we seek a constructive way to express our outrage,” one House Democrat conveyed to Axios.
There exists a significant divide between Jeffries’ proposal and what some Democrats consider an appropriate form of protest. One member suggested to the outlet that they might stand and leave the chamber during Trump’s speech if he addresses specific topics they find objectionable, warning that any reference to transgender children would prompt a mass exit.
Other members mentioned the possibility of using noise-making devices, such as hand clappers, during the address. Some are also considering emulating a tactic used by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before Congress last year, when she displayed a handmade sign reading “war criminal.” Additionally, there were suggestions to utilize props, such as empty egg cartons, to emphasize the high costs being borne by Americans.
During a private meeting and on the House floor on Monday evening, members were explicitly advised against utilizing props during the upcoming speech, according to sources who spoke with Axios. However, some Democrats have expressed their dissent, arguing that they are merely attempting to address the concerns of their frustrated constituents in predominantly Democratic districts.
“There are certainly many constituents who expect Democrats to take a stand, while others believe that such actions merely play into his narrative,” one House Democrat remarked to Axios.
Protests during presidential addresses, once considered unthinkable in Congress, have become increasingly prevalent over the last 15 years. Notably, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) infamously interrupted former President Barack Obama with the words “you lie” during the 2009 State of the Union address, and Republicans have heckled former President Joe Biden during several of his speeches.
In response, progressive Democrats may resort to a more subdued approach previously employed: coordinating the colors of their attire as a form of protest, reminiscent of the all-white outfits worn by many female Democrats to honor women’s suffrage during the initial Trump administration.
