White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Democrats on Wednesday for their conduct during President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.

The speech, which took place Tuesday evening, was intended to be a unifying moment for the nation.

However, several Democrat lawmakers responded with walkouts, protest signs, and other disruptions.

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Before the address, Leavitt had suggested that Democrats should at least acknowledge parts of the speech that promoted national unity.

Speaking to Fox & Friends, she stated, “I think, frankly, the Democrats should think about if they should stand up in applause for some of the things President Trump will be talking about. He’s bringing common sense back to this country.”

Despite this, many Democrats remained seated or openly protested throughout the speech. Some waved signs, others held up whiteboards, and a few even walked out.

Their actions stood in stark contrast to the solemnity typically expected during a presidential address.

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During a press briefing on Wednesday, Leavitt addressed the disruptions, calling them “the most shameful moment in the history of presidential addresses in that beautiful chamber.”

“In what was supposed to be a unifying moment for our country, Democrat members of Congress instead screamed at the President of the United States—who was just overwhelmingly reelected by their constituents—[and] walked out of the chamber,” Leavitt stated.

“And worst of all, they disrespected the American people.”

.@PressSec: “The behavior of Democrats last night was completely disgraceful … The most shameful moment in the history of presidential addresses in that beautiful chamber.” pic.twitter.com/fZGMOvI8qG

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 5, 2025

She pointed out that while President Trump did not expect support for his policies from the opposition, he and others were surprised that they refused to applaud even for his honored guests.

One example she highlighted was Marc Fogel, an American teacher who had been detained in Russia since 2021.

President Trump successfully negotiated his release, yet many Democrats did not acknowledge his story.

Leavitt also referenced a moment in the speech that resonated with many Americans: a young boy fighting brain cancer who had always dreamed of becoming a police officer.

President Trump honored him by making him an honorary Secret Service agent.

The emotional moment received applause from many in the chamber, but a large portion of the Democrat side remained seated.

“I gave a quote to one of the media outlets in this room yesterday that Democrats behaving like children would be the least surprising thing of the night,” Leavitt recalled.

“And unfortunately, that quote did turn out to be true.”

.@PressSec: “I gave a quote to one of the media outlets in this room yesterday that Democrats behaving like children would be the least surprising thing of the night. And unfortunately, that quote did turn out to be true.” pic.twitter.com/6DF0cJVAQp

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 5, 2025

Following the address, even some anti-Trump political figures, including Symone Sanders and Michael Steele, criticized the Democrat lawmakers who brought protest signs and displayed other theatrics during the event.

Their reaction underscored how out of place the behavior appeared on such a significant occasion.

The speech itself focused on economic growth, border security, and strengthening America’s position on the world stage.

President Trump struck a tone of optimism, urging Americans to come together and move forward.

His message stood in stark contrast to the reactions of some in attendance, whose protests and refusal to applaud certain moments drew criticism from both sides of the aisle.

Symone Sanders and Michael Steele HATED the Democrats’ “bingo signs.”

SANDERS: “This is an indictment, in my opinion, on the Democratic leadership… The visuals are not taking back the House in 2026.”

STEELE: “I don’t know who thought up the bingo signs, but they should be… pic.twitter.com/oi89ZQBg4V

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) March 5, 2025

With reactions like those on Tuesday night, Democrats may face increasing scrutiny from voters questioning their ability to lead effectively.