Overview
- The Pennsylvania senator criticized yelling, sign displays and disruptions during the address, saying lawmakers should not do that regardless of party and should respect the presidency.
- He said he appeared to be the only Democrat to shake President Trump's hand as he entered the chamber.
- Dozens of Democrats skipped the speech or joined counter-events, including the "State of the Swamp" that featured the Portland Frog Brigade in inflatable frog costumes and an appearance by Robert De Niro.
- Inside the chamber, Rep. Al Green was escorted out after holding a sign reading "Black People Are Not Apes," a reference to a Truth Social post that depicted the Obamas as apes.
- Footage showed Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib yelling during the speech, and some Democrats wore anti-ICE and "Release the Files" pins as protest messaging.