House and Senate Democrats protested President Donald Trump during his first speech to Congress of his second term by refusing to applaud, holding up signs calling him “king” and “liar,” and walking out of the address. Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, yelled at Trump, prompting his removal from the chamber. Democratic leaders had warned members to stay on message, but not all complied. Some silently protested, holding signs criticizing Trump’s policies and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Senate Democrats did not applaud, while Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., used a whiteboard to communicate messages to Trump. More than 20 House Democrats held up signs during the speech. Musk, who was in attendance, received shout-outs from Trump and applause from Republicans. The split reactions reflected the divisive nature of Trump’s return to the White House. Some Democratic women wore pink as a symbol of protest, while Congressional Black Caucus members wore black in solidarity. House Democratic leaders remained stoic throughout the speech, while some members, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., walked out in protest of Trump’s actions. Pressley stated that she could not sit through the speech given Trump’s disregard for Congress and the nation. The protest highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding Trump’s presidency, especially in the wake of the Capitol riot on January 6.
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