White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded Tuesday to reports of Democrats planning protests and disruptions during President Donald Trump’s primetime address to Congress. Leavitt rejected the claims, suggesting that Democrats should consider “applauding” some of what Trump will emphasize to the American people.
THEME OF TRUMP’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS REVEALED
KAROLINE LEAVITT: I believe that Democrats should possibly consider applauding certain aspects of President Trump’s speech. He is reintroducing common sense to our nation. Look at the Democrats: just yesterday, 45 Senate Dems voted against the exclusion of men from women’s sports. How can you oppose that when 80% of the country supports it?
The White House press secretary also addressed Trump’s decision to pause aid to Ukraine and the potential for rebuilding the relationship following the fallout from the contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as U.S. Vice President JD Vance reacts at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2025. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo)
LEAVITT: President Trump is eager to negotiate. Unfortunately, it seems that President Zelensky is not interested in discussing a genuine peace accord. To achieve peace, both sides must be willing to negotiate, and usually, in any successful deal in business or politics, both parties compromise to some extent. President Zelenskyy appears to be failing to recognize this crucial aspect at the moment. However, the President is a proficient dealmaker and he is determined to end the war, cease the violence, and initiate a ceasefire. He had a lucrative economic agreement ready for President Zelenskyy to sign last Friday at the White House, which would not only have economic benefits but also serve as a lifeline for Ukraine. By allowing American companies and miners to operate in Ukraine, it would act as a strong deterrent to Russia and Putin. Unfortunately, the deal wasn’t finalized as President Zelenskyy did not approach the Oval Office with the right mindset.
FILE — President Donald Trump is greeted by members of Congress as he arrives to deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 4, 2020. (REUTERS/Joshua Roberts | REUTERS/Leah Millis/POOL, inset)
Reports indicate that many far-left Democrats are advocating for significant disruptions during Trump’s address. This ranges from potential walkouts to using noisemakers to disrupt Trump’s speech, as reported by Axios on Tuesday. Some less extreme ideas being considered include carrying egg cartons to highlight costs, displaying protest signs, and coordinating outfits.
Democratic leaders have reportedly advised members in closed-door meetings this week to keep their protests civil, as major disruptions could ultimately benefit Trump.
SEVERAL DEMOCRATS TO BOYCOTT TRUMP’S ‘PEP RALLY’ SPEECH TO CONGRESS
More traditional protest strategies involve the Democratic Women’s Caucus suggesting members wear pink, while women in the Congressional Black Caucus are discussing wearing black. Other members have considered wearing blue and yellow to show support for Ukraine.
FILE – President Donald Trump gestures towards Democrats while addressing a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)
Protests during State of the Union speeches and other major presidential events have become more frequent and intense in recent years. Although Trump’s Tuesday address is not officially a State of the Union speech, it follows a similar structure.
White House officials shared with Fox News Digital that the speech, themed “The Renewal of the American Dream,” will focus on four main areas: the accomplishments of Trump’s second term so far domestically and internationally; the administration’s economic achievements; the president’s renewed emphasis on Congress passing additional funding for border security; and the president’s global peace initiatives.
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The president is set to address all members of Congress on Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described Trump’s joint address as “must-see TV” to Fox News Digital.
Fox News’ Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
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