A wave of empty seats greeted Trump as Democrats staged a boycott (Image: -)
Rows of vacant seats confronted President Donald Trump on Tuesday evening as he presented his State of the Union address, absences that may have resulted from the substantial number of Democratic members of Congress who opted to attend alternative counter-gatherings instead.
A photograph taken from within the chamber where the address occurred showed no fewer than nine unoccupied seats in one particular section.
During his address, the president stressed that the economy was thriving, despite recent polling suggesting otherwise, and argued that Republican leadership is required to address public anxieties about the cost of living.
The State of the Union arrived as Republicans are preparing for what could prove a difficult midterm election cycle. The American public has expressed its dissatisfaction with Trump’s hardline immigration enforcement campaign, which reached a critical point in Minnesota following the killing of two U.S. citizens.
Read more: Trump blasts Dems at State of the Union ‘You should be ashamed of yourselves’
Read more: Trump confronted with ‘black people aren’t apes’ sign at State of the Union
Several minutes into his speech, Trump sparked uproar in Washington on Tuesday during his historic State of the Union address.
After a speech focused largely on his administration’s domestic achievements — but marred from the outset by Democrat Congressman Al Green raising a sign stating « Black People are not apes » — Trump turned his sights directly on his Democratic opponents, using the platform to launch an explosive attack.
He said: « Tonight I’m inviting every legislator to join with my administration to reafirm a fundamental principle.
« If you agree with this statement then stand up and show your support: The first duty of any government is to protect the American citizens not illegal aliens. »
Republican lawmakers swiftly rose to their feet in applause, whilst Democrats appeared to remain seated throughout.
After the standing ovation from his supporters subsided, Trump rounded on his opponents.
« You shoulld be ashamed of yourself not standing up. You should be ashamed of yourself.
« That is why I am also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect the criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who block the removal of criminal aliens, in many cases drug lords, murderers all over our country.
The historic address, on the 250th birthday of America, was also marred when Democrat Al Green was ejected after holding up a sign saying, « Black people are not apes » in reference to Trump’s controversial AI video where the Obamas were depicted as apes.
Trump is attempting to persuade increasingly sceptical American voters that his policies have delivered tangible improvements to their lives and that the US economy is performing better than public perception suggests — urging them to back Republicans in November as the party battles to retain its slim House majority.
The President faces a challenging dual mandate: celebrating his turbulent first year back in office whilst simultaneously rallying support for his party ahead of midterm elections where his own name won’t appear on ballots.
The task proves particularly precarious for Trump, notorious for abandoning prepared remarks and disregarding his advisers’ meticulously crafted messaging strategies.
A central message will emphasise America’s economic strength, citing surging domestic manufacturing and job creation — despite widespread public sentiment suggesting otherwise.
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