The radical Left is simply reeling. They have no answers for President Trump.
And this Democrat congresswoman was brutally mocked for her insane behavior during Trump’s address.
During President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, March 4, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., a prominent member of the progressive “Squad,” took an unconventional approach to voicing her dissent. Armed with a mini-whiteboard, Tlaib scribbled real-time reactions to the president’s 100-minute speech, setting herself apart from her Democratic colleagues who opted for pre-printed signs.
Her messages, which included “No king!,” “What about the immigrants that worked for you?,” and “That’s a lie!,” flashed across the chamber as Trump spoke, drawing attention and sparking debate.
Tlaib’s impromptu commentary appeared to defy the wishes of House Democratic leadership, who, according to various reports, had encouraged party members to maintain decorum and avoid theatrical displays. Yet, the Michigan representative’s whiteboard—paired with her keffiyeh-inspired jacket—became a lightning rod for reactions, both in the Capitol and online.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., didn’t hold back, dubbing Tlaib the “poster child” of Trump derangement syndrome (TDS), a popular internet term for those reflexively opposed to anything Trump-related. Mace even jumped into the fray on social media, sharing a doctored image of Tlaib holding a blank sign and inviting followers to “fill in the blank.” The post ignited a meme frenzy, with users gleefully mocking Tlaib and the Democrats at large.
The keffiyeh-like jacket also stirred controversy, especially given the presence of Noa Argamani, a guest at the address who had been kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and freed by Israeli forces in June 2024. Critics pointed to the garment as a tone-deaf choice, amplifying the night’s tension. But Tlaib wasn’t alone in her defiance—other Democrats joined the fray, setting the stage for a chaotic evening.
Democrats Kick Off the Night’s Protests Before Trump Even Speaks
The disruptions began before Trump could reach the podium. As lawmakers crowded the aisle to greet him, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., hoisted a sign declaring “this is not normal,” signaling the Democrats’ intent to challenge the president from the jump. Minutes later, Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, took it a step further, heckling Trump less than 10 minutes into the speech. Green bristled at Trump’s claim of a “mandate” from his dual victory in the popular vote and Electoral College, marking the first audible interruption of the night.
As President Trump was walking by, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) held up a sign that said “this is not normal.”
Then, Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) ripped it out of her hands. pic.twitter.com/ZNFAU4yuIY
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) March 5, 2025
The Democrats’ antics didn’t stop there. Throughout the address, the party faced sharp criticism for their chilly reception—or outright refusal—to applaud several guests Trump spotlighted. Among them were DJ, a young brain cancer survivor with aspirations of becoming a police officer, and the mothers of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray, both k*lled by alleged illegal immigrants. The lack of applause drew ire from observers like Meghan McCain, who vented her frustration, saying she was “disgusted” and urged lawmakers to “get a grip.” Fox News contributor Ari Fleischer piled on, calling the Democrats’ behavior an embarrassment to themselves and the institution.
A Night of Walkouts, Signs, and Shirts
Beyond the signs and silence, several Democrats escalated their protests by storming out of the chamber. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., made a bold exit wearing a shirt emblazoned with “No kings live here” on the back, echoing Tlaib’s whiteboard sentiments. Others wielded paddles reminiscent of those used during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s past address, flashing messages like “Musk steals,” “Save Medicaid,” and “False.” The cumulative effect painted a picture of a party unwilling—or unable—to sit still for Trump’s vision of America.
The Democrats’ Childish Streak on Full Display
If the evening was meant to showcase a united front against Trump, it instead revealed a Democratic Party grappling with its own immaturity. Tlaib’s whiteboard scribbles, while eye-catching, came off as a juvenile stunt, more suited to a classroom than the halls of Congress.
The real-time retorts may have thrilled her base, but they clashed with the gravity of the occasion, reducing serious policy disagreements to soundbites on an erasable slate. Her defiance of party leadership only deepened the sense of disarray, suggesting a faction more interested in grandstanding than governing.
The overall Democratic response was no less petulant. Stansbury’s preemptive sign-waving and Green’s mid-speech outburst resembled the tantrums of restless children, unable to wait their turn to speak. The refusal to clap for guests like DJ and the grieving mothers smacked of petty spite, as if withholding applause could erase Trump’s narrative.
Walking out in political shirts and flashing paddles only cemented the impression of a group more focused on theatrics than substance. For a party eager to reclaim power, the night’s antics risked alienating viewers who expect maturity from their elected officials.
Commentators like McCain and Fleischer weren’t wrong to call out the embarrassment factor. The Democrats’ behavior handed Trump a gift: an easy contrast between his structured address and their scattered protests. As the dust settles, the party might reflect on whether their impulsive displays won them any ground—or simply proved they’re not ready for the grown-ups’ table.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
