Trump blasts Dems ‘You should be ashamed of yourselves’ | US | News
After a speech that focused largely on his administration’s domestic accomplishments but was marred from the start by Democratic Congressman Al Green holding up a sign that read “Black people are not monkeys,” Trump turned his sights squarely on his Democratic rivals, using the platform to launch an explosive attack.
He said: “Tonight, I invite every legislator to join my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle.
“If you accept this statement, stand up and show your support: The first duty of any government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”
While Republican lawmakers quickly rose to their feet to applause, Democrats appeared to remain seated throughout.
After the standing ovation from his supporters subsided, Trump attacked his opponents.
“You should be ashamed of yourself for not being able to stand up. You should be ashamed of yourself.
“That’s why I’m also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who obstruct the elimination of criminal aliens, in many cases drug lords and murderers, from across our country.
“They are preventing these people from being removed from our country, you should be ashamed of yourself.”
The over-the-top condemnation of sanctuary cities by Democrats who refuse to allow local law enforcement to cooperate with federal ICE and border agents was met with loud cheers and violent boos on Capitol Hill.
Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minneapolis who has clashed publicly with Trump on several occasions, reportedly shouted, “You killed Americans,” and then, “You are a murderer.” Trump responded, “You should be ashamed.”
Republicans drowned out stunned Democrats with loud “USA, USA” chatter.
On the 250th anniversary of the birth of the American state, the Republican hoped to convince an increasingly wary American voter base that his policies were improving their lives, but also that the U.S. economy was stronger than many believed and that they should vote for more of the same in November as House Republicans struggle to preserve their fragile majority in the lower house of Congress.
The balancing act of celebrating his whirlwind first year in the White House while also making a compelling case for his party ahead of midterm elections in which he will not personally be on the ballot is a difficult task for any president, but could be particularly delicate for Trump, given his tendency to veer off script and ignore carefully crafted messages delivered by his team.
One of the main themes will be that the country is growing, with an increase in domestic manufacturing and new jobs, even though many Americans do not feel that way.
