During President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, February 24, 2026, a tense moment unfolded in the House chamber when Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) shouted at the president amid his remarks on immigration policy.
Trump, delivering his first State of the Union address of his second term, challenged Democrats in the chamber to stand if they supported the principle that the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. As he spoke, Republicans rose and cheered for an extended period, while Democrats remained seated. Trump then addressed the lack of support directly, repeating phrases such as “You should be ashamed of yourself” and “Isn’t that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself not standing up.”
President Trump asked Congress: “Stand if you agree: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”
— America (@america) February 25, 2026
Democrats did not stand.
This tells you everything you need to know.
pic.twitter.com/4xr9xC8QAI
In response, Omar, who represents a Minnesota district with a significant Somali American population, shouted across the chamber, “You have killed Americans! You should be ashamed!” The outburst occurred as Trump continued his call to end sanctuary cities that he said protect criminals and to impose penalties on officials who block the removal of criminal aliens, including drug lords and murderers. He urged approval of the Save America Act to require voter ID and proof of citizenship for elections, emphasizing that such measures poll highly across party lines.
Trump: You should be ashamed of yourself!
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 25, 2026
Ilhan Omar: You have killed Americans! You should be ashamed!pic.twitter.com/dkiUM2lPzg
Omar’s shout echoed similar expressions of dissent from other Democrats, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who also voiced objections during the speech. The exchange highlighted deep divisions over immigration enforcement, with Trump framing his policies as essential to prioritizing American safety and security. Omar’s accusation referenced recent incidents in Minnesota involving federal agents, including fatal shootings of American citizens during immigration-related actions earlier in the year.
The moment drew immediate attention in the chamber, with Republicans responding with chants of “USA” that partially drowned out the interruptions. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Omar and Tlaib, later left the chamber early. The incident occurred against a backdrop of ongoing debates over border security, deportation policies, and sanctuary jurisdictions, issues that have intensified since the start of Trump’s second term.
Trump’s address overall focused on economic gains, foreign policy achievements, and repeated criticisms of Democratic approaches to immigration and elections. The confrontation underscored the polarized atmosphere in Congress as the administration pushes forward with its agenda on these fronts.
