Pin Worn By Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib To This Year’s SOTU Sparks Backlash
Tuesday night’s address quickly turned from a traditional presidential speech into a spectacle of confrontation, as Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) openly sparred with President Trump from the House floor.
Tlaib drew immediate attention by wearing a pin on her lapel reading “F— ICE,” an unmistakable rebuke of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Throughout the speech, both she and Omar frequently heckled the president, at times appearing engrossed in their cellphones. Before the address concluded, the two lawmakers exited the chamber early.
The most dramatic exchange of the evening came when Trump challenged Democrats directly. Calling on lawmakers to stand if they agreed that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens,” the president created a stark visual divide in the chamber. Republicans rose in applause. Democrats remained seated.
That moment triggered a heated back-and-forth. “You have killed Americans,” Omar shouted toward the president after the exchange escalated.
“Isn’t that a shame?” Trump responded. “You should be ashamed of yourself — not standing up. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
Omar later told CNN’s The Situation Room that she felt compelled to attend the address despite other Democrats boycotting it. “I think it was really unavoidable,” she said, explaining that she wanted to challenge Trump’s claims about protecting Americans. Omar referenced two Minneapolis residents, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were shot and killed by federal agents earlier this year during protests tied to ICE deportations. She attributed responsibility to the administration’s policies.
Tlaib and Omar — the first female Muslim lawmakers elected to Congress — declined to join dozens of Democratic colleagues who opted to skip the address altogether. Their decision ensured they would be front and center during the evening’s most contentious moments.
House Speaker Mike Johnson later commented that additional Democratic members could have faced removal for their conduct but said he preferred that the public witness the behavior firsthand. One lawmaker who was escorted out was Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), who waved a sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes,” referencing a video clip Trump had posted on Truth Social earlier in the month.
Trump has long targeted members of the progressive “Squad,” frequently criticizing Omar in particular, including over disputes surrounding his Operation Metro Surge initiative in Minnesota. Following the speech, Trump took to Truth Social again, reiterating his criticism of the lawmakers and broadening his remarks to include actor Robert De Niro.