House Democrats Reprimand Colleagues for Disruptive Behavior During Trump’s Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Democrats are grappling with internal dissent after some members disrupted President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on March 5, 2025. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had previously instructed his party to maintain decorum during the speech and present a strong, dignified presence in the chamber.

According to Axios, Jeffries emphasized the importance of unity in a letter to his colleagues. Despite these instructions, approximately a dozen Democrats, including Reps. Melanie Stansbury, Jasmine Crockett, Maxwell Frost, and Maxine Dexter, were reprimanded for their actions.

The reprimand came during a party leadership meeting, described by Crockett as a “come to Jesus meeting.” Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar were in attendance as the party reviewed the conduct of its members.

During Trump’s address, disruptions included Democratic Texas Rep. Al Green, who shouted about a lack of a “mandate” just minutes into the speech. Many Democrats wore pink attire in protest of Trump’s policies, claiming they are “devastating to women,” while others held signs reading “this is not normal.”

Following Green’s removal, Trump’s speech continued with minimal interruptions. However, Democrats faced criticism in the days after the address for their refusal to stand for a 13-year-old boy battling brain cancer, who was honored by Trump.

Democratic Rep. Greg Casar of Texas defended his party’s decision not to applaud for the boy, stating that “every Democrat stands with enormous respect for the American people, whether they agree with us or not,” and particularly for those who are ill and struggling. He added, “But we do not respect Donald Trump and Elon Musk taking cancer treatment away from families.”

In response to the incidents during Trump’s address, Rep. Aguilar urged party members to concentrate on the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of their constituents.