Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24 descended into chaos, as tensions in Congress boiled over during the 108-minute speech. Several Democratic lawmakers walked out, and heckling disrupted the address, which was broadcast live across the country.
Even before Trump took the podium, the atmosphere was charged: over 70 Democrats had announced they would boycott the speech. Once the president began criticizing Somali immigrants, he faced immediate pushback from Democratic Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who repeatedly shouted “liar” from her seat as Trump claimed he would ignite a “war on fraud” linked to the Somali community.
Trump stated, “When it comes to the corruption that is plundering America, there has been no more stunning example than Minnesota where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer.” He continued, “The Somali pirates who ransack Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception. Importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings those problems right here to the USA.”
Omar’s vocal protests highlighted the intense backlash against these remarks. Earlier in the session, Texas Democrat Al Green was removed from the chamber after holding up a sign reading “black people aren’t apes,” referencing a controversial video Trump had posted on social media earlier in the month depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. Green had previously been removed from the House last year during Trump’s State of the Union address after confronting the president.
Despite the interruptions, Trump received standing ovations from supporters as he outlined his latest immigration policies. He used the platform to attack his political opponents directly, urging Congress to end sanctuary cities and impose stricter penalties on officials who block the removal of criminal noncitizens, including drug traffickers and murderers. “You should be ashamed of yourself not standing up,” he said. “They are blocking the removal of these people out of our country and you should be ashamed of yourself.”
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