Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar shout as Trump’s 'stand up' challenge leaves Democrats seated

President Donald Trump’s State of the Union produced a pointed on-camera test when he invited lawmakers to stand for a stated priority; the challenge prominently involved rashida tlaib and Rep. Ilhan Omar and has already been cast by Republican operatives as a useful moment for the GOP. The exchange came during a Joint Session at the U. S. Capitol and has become a flashpoint in the parties’ fight over immigration rhetoric and messaging ahead of the midterms.

Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar shouted from the House floor during the Feb. 24 Joint Session

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) shouted at President Donald Trump as he delivered his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U. S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, D. C. A photograph credited to Chip Somodevilla captured the moment. The record includes an account that Omar shouted "YOU ARE A MURDERER" and "LIAR" at the president while both members were on the House floor.

Trump’s 'fundamental principle' challenge and lawmakers’ split reaction

One of the most dramatic moments of the address on Tuesday night came when the president challenged every lawmaker in the chamber to reaffirm a "fundamental principle" that their "first duty" is to protect American citizens over illegal immigrants. Trump said, "One of the great things about the State of the Union is how it gives Americans the chance to see clearly what their representatives really believe. So tonight, I'm inviting every legislator to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle: if you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. " As he made the challenge, Republicans stood while Democrats remained seated, prompting condemnation from the president. The White House called the moment a "must-watch. "

GOP strategists hailed a "huge" political opening for the midterms

Republican political strategists responded quickly, framing the episode as a misfire by the Democratic Party that could help the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections. Ryan James Girdusky, a GOP strategist with 1776 Project PAC, wrote online, "A billion dollar ad just wrote itself because they wouldn't stand. " He added, "Trump just orchestrated a great midterm ad, stand if you care about American citizens over illegal aliens and all the Democrats sat. "

Tim Murtaugh, a former Trump senior advisor and campaign communications director who runs Line Drive Public Affairs, called the episode "a huge moment because it forced the Democrats to self-identify as radicals who would rather defend illegal aliens over law-abiding American citizens. " He went on to say, "There could be no clearer illustration that Democrats root against America when they’re not in power, " accused Democrats of being "embarrassed to be Americans, whether they’re in power or not, " and added, "In their mind, good news for Americans is bad news for Democrats. " Murtaugh continued, "They aren’t going to solve any problems — they’re only going to add to them — and the American people got to see them proclaim it themselves. " He concluded that "that moment will certainly be useful, and President Trump knows them so well he was able to make them do it. "

Vice President JD Vance attended the address on the House floor

Vice President JD Vance attended President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, on the House floor at the U. S. Capitol in Washington, D. C. An official photograph by Emily J. Higgins documents his presence during the address.

Perceptions of a misfire, midterm implications — and an unclear fragment in the record

Republican strategists are described as "salivating" over what they perceive as a misfire by the Democratic Party, arguing that incidents of clear defiance and contempt for Trump's message will be "huge" for the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections. The episode prompted sharp partisan framing on both sides and immediate efforts by Republican operatives to convert the moment into campaign messaging.

The provided context also contains an unfinished fragment reading "Lora Ries, dire" that is unclear in the provided context.