During President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, he challenged members of Congress to “stand up” if they agreed that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.” When many House Democrats remained seated, Trump chastised them and Republicans cheered, turning the moment into a viral bit of political theater. Media accounts said the exchange punctuated an otherwise long, combative speech focused on immigration, crime, and economic claims. The interaction highlighted the sharp partisan divide in the chamber and drew widespread immediate nationwide coverage and video circulation online. (washingtonpost.com)
