At one point, Trump called on audience members to stand if they believed the U.S. government’s primary duty is to protect American citizens, not illegal immigrants. Republicans rose to their feet and applauded for several minutes, while Democrats remained seated. Trump rebuked that they should be ashamed.
Democrats did not remain silent throughout. When Trump criticized a U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning his tariff policy, Democrats responded with applause in support of the court’s decision, in sharp contrast to their earlier silence.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., holding signs reading “No funding for ICE” and “Healthcare, not war.” Some carried large posters displaying photos of individuals who died during operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.