Leavitt Says Dems ‘Fell Right Into’ Trump’s State Of The Union ‘Trap’
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Democrats “walked straight into” what she described as a political “trap” set by President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address Tuesday night. According to Leavitt, their response to the president’s recognition of crime victims revealed what she called the party’s “true position” on immigration and public safety.
Speaking during an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Leavitt argued that Democrats demonstrated sympathy for individuals who entered the United States illegally rather than for victims of violent crime. She claimed that their refusal to stand for several people recognized during the speech showed where their priorities lie.
Leavitt specifically referenced the case of Iryna Zarutska, a woman killed in a violent attack in North Carolina. During the address, Trump honored Zarutska’s mother, Anna Zarutska, who was present in the chamber. Leavitt said it was troubling that many Democrats did not stand to acknowledge the grieving mother as the president recognized her.
She also mentioned Dalilah Coleman, a seven-year-old girl who suffered severe injuries in a crash involving a truck driver who was in the country illegally. Trump highlighted the child’s story during the speech, drawing attention to the long-term health consequences she now faces. According to Leavitt, Democrats’ reaction to these moments reflected poorly on them.
Leavitt described the situation as “despicable,” but she praised Trump’s decision to include the recognitions in his speech. She said the president wanted to clearly illustrate what he views as a contrast between Republican priorities and those of Democrats. In her view, the moment demonstrated a political divide between what she called “common sense policies” and the positions taken by Trump’s critics.
Meanwhile, tensions were visible inside the chamber throughout the lengthy address. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, had reportedly advised Democrats to either protest silently or skip the speech altogether. Despite that guidance, several lawmakers openly expressed their frustration as Trump spoke.
Early in the address, Representative Al Green was removed from the chamber after holding up a protest sign. Later in the evening, several other Democrats walked out during the speech in protest, including Lauren Underwood, Bill Foster, and Madeleine Dean.
One of the most contentious moments came when Trump asked members of Congress to stand if they believed the government should prioritize American citizens over people in the country illegally. When many Democrats remained seated, Trump criticized them directly, saying they should be ashamed.
The remarks drew sharp responses from some lawmakers, including Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, who accused the president of policies they say contributed to fatal incidents involving federal immigration agents earlier this year. The tense exchanges highlighted the deep political divisions that defined the evening’s proceedings.