Trump slams Democrats at NRCC dinner, says they 'sat there emotionless' during State of the Union
Trump on SOTU: Democrats sat there emotionless, no clapping, nobody standing. At the end of the evening, they were clapping on everything I said because they were called by people watching on television. Did you see they were passing around notes and they were saying, start… pic.twitter.com/3mdOhgeHdz
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 26, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump criticized Democrats for their conduct during his State of the Union address while speaking Wednesday evening, March 25, at the annual National Republican Congressional Committee fundraising dinner at Union Station.
His remarks came amid the expanding conflict in the Middle East and ongoing efforts by lawmakers to resolve a partial government shutdown ahead of a planned two-week recess, with both parties divided over a compromise plan.
Trump calls out Democrats’ conduct and defends policies
During his remarks, Trump sharply criticised Democrats for their reaction to guests and honorees highlighted in his State of the Union address. Recalling the event, he said Democrats “sat there like dead people, emotionless, no clapping, nobody standing,” showing “no movement, no heart” even during emotional moments.
These included the recognition of a grieving mother and a wounded military helicopter pilot awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. He further claimed that Democrats only began applauding later after being urged by others, alleging they were “being killed tonight” in public perception.
Trump accused Democrats of “creating chaos” and lacking policy capability, asserting that their actions were aimed at deflecting attention from what he described as “tremendous success” in a military operation.
He also alleged that Democrats support illegal immigration to gain votes, stating, “We’re not going to let our country be destroyed by these people.”
In his State of the Union address, Trump claimed, “The roaring economy is roaring like never before,” pointing to measures such as tax cuts on tips and overtime pay, lower prescription d**g prices, reduced interest rates, and increased energy production.
He argued these actions have led to economic gains and a lower cost of living. Trump also reiterated claims of widespread voter fraud and non-citizen voting, stating that Democrats’ policies are so weak that “the only way they can get elected is to cheat.”
Trump had also proposed nationalizing elections and urged the passage of the SAVE America Act, which would mandate photo ID and proof of citizenship for voters.
Democratic rebuttal, public sentiment, and shutdown impact
Governor of Virginia Abigail Spanberger delivered the rebuttal to the State of the Union address, criticizing Trump’s leadership and policy direction. She stated that the president “lied, scapegoated and distracted” while offering “no real solutions” to national challenges.
Structuring her response around questions of affordability, safety, and governance, Spanberger emphasized rising costs in housing, healthcare, energy, and childcare, stating that Democrats remain focused on affordability.
She also criticised Trump’s “reckless trade policies,” noting that although the Supreme Court struck down tariffs days earlier, their economic impact persists.
Amid the expanding war involving Iran, public concern remains high. A March 2024 YouGov poll found that Trump’s handling of the situation has a 36% approval rating and 55% disapproval. The conflict is also perceived to be affecting fuel prices, with 69% of Americans saying it has significantly increased gas prices and 20% reporting a slight increase.
The partial shutdown’s impact has also become increasingly visible, with long queues forming at airports across the US. The top official at the Transportation Security Administration told House lawmakers that staffing shortages have led to the longest wait times in the agency’s history, with more than 480 officers leaving since the shutdown began.
