President condemns heckling Democrats, escalating political war over immigration, Israel, and national loyalty.
President Donald Trump sharply criticized Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib following disruptions during his State of the Union address, igniting a new round of partisan confrontation on Capitol Hill.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused the two lawmakers of behaving disrespectfully during what he described as a “beautiful and important” national event. He argued their conduct reflected broader political hostility toward his administration’s agenda.
The remarks came after Omar and Tlaib were seen heckling during the speech. Video footage captured Omar shouting criticisms related to U.S. foreign policy, while Tlaib called out “Lies!” during portions of the address. At one point, Trump responded from the podium, telling critics in the chamber that they “should be ashamed” for not standing during references to protecting American citizens.
Immigration and Israel at Center of Clash
Tensions escalated when Trump asked lawmakers to stand if they believed protecting American citizens should take priority over undocumented immigrants. Several Democrats, including Omar and Tlaib, remained seated.
Both lawmakers are members of the progressive group often referred to as “the Squad.” They have been outspoken critics of Israeli government policy and U.S. military aid to Israel.
Omar has previously drawn controversy for remarks about the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, and for social media posts related to Middle East conflicts that critics argued were misleading or inflammatory.
Tlaib has faced backlash for statements describing Israel as operating an “apartheid system” and for using the phrase “from the river to the sea,” which supporters say expresses Palestinian aspirations but critics interpret as denying Israel’s legitimacy.
In 2019, Israel barred both lawmakers from entry over their support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS).
Deepening Partisan Divide
The exchange underscores the widening ideological divide in Washington over immigration enforcement, U.S.–Israel relations, and the tone of political discourse.
Republican lawmakers gave Trump repeated standing ovations during the address, while Democratic members remained largely seated and at times vocal in dissent.
As campaign season intensifies, clashes over national identity, foreign policy, and congressional decorum appear likely to remain front and center.
The latest confrontation highlights the increasingly combative atmosphere surrounding major national addresses, as both sides frame the debate over patriotism, policy, and America’s global role.
