White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Democrats “fell right into” a political trap set by President Donald Trump following Tuesday night’s State of the Union Address. Speaking during an interview on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, Leavitt argued that Democrats’ reactions during the speech revealed their positions on immigration and public safety.
According to Leavitt, many Democratic lawmakers remained seated when Trump recognized victims of violent crimes and their families. She pointed to the case of Iryna Zarutska, who was killed in a stabbing in Charlotte. Trump also acknowledged her mother, Anna Zarutska, during the address, but Leavitt noted that several Democrats did not stand in recognition. The president also honored other individuals connected to tragic incidents. Among them was 7-year-old Dalilah Coleman, who suffered severe injuries in a crash involving an undocumented immigrant driving an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. Trump additionally recognized Erika Kirk, the widow of his late friend and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
Leavitt criticized Democrats’ response, describing it as “despicable,” while praising Trump for highlighting the issue. She said the president intentionally challenged lawmakers to stand if they supported prioritizing American citizens over illegal immigrants. The address also produced tense moments in the chamber. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had urged Democrats to remain in “silent defiance,” but reactions during the speech varied. Representative Al Green was removed early after holding a protest sign, while several Democrats, including Lauren Underwood and Madeline Dean, later walked out before the address concluded.
