By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
Democratic lawmakers responded with outrage to President Donald Trump’s 2025 address before a joint session of Congress, denouncing it as a misleading, hyper-partisan spectacle that ignored the struggles of everyday Americans. From attacks on federal workers to misleading claims about the economy, critics argued that Trump’s speech was filled with distortions meant to prop up his administration’s controversial policies.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.-1) criticized the speech, asserting that the President disseminated falsehoods.
“Donald Trump led a parade of lies on the economy, Social Security, tariffs, immigration, and foreign policy as well as his administration’s efforts to dismantle our government, yet failed to mention a single thing he’s doing to lower costs for American families,” Amo said in a statement.
Amo’s reaction was echoed by other Democratic leaders, who characterized Trump’s speech as more of a campaign rally than a serious attempt to unite the country.
U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio-11) said in a statement that the Republican leader’s speech resembled a “Make America Great Again” rally.
“President Trump’s speech was a house of cards—built on lies, propped up by fear, and ready to collapse under the weight of reality,” said Brown. “Instead of leading the nation, President Trump turned the House chamber into a MAGA rally, spewing more lies about President Biden’s record and fabricating his own.”
Despite Trump’s claims of economic success, Democrats pointed out that he failed to offer concrete solutions to lower costs for working families. In fact, they argued, his policies have made life harder for everyday Americans.
U.S. Rep. Amo said in a statement that Trump’s remarks prioritized partisan theatrics and divisive policy over addressing the real needs of everyday Americans.
“It was a shameful, hyper-partisan, gimmick-filled display from a president who said he would bring down prices on ‘day one’—only to jack up prices higher than ever,” Amo said. “Over the past 43 days, Trump has made clear that he isn’t focused on the needs of everyday Americans. Instead, he’s focused on waging a divisive culture war, exacting revenge and retribution for his petty grievances, and carrying out the wishes of billionaires like Elon Musk and authoritarians like Vladimir Putin.”
Brown also emphasized how little Trump’s speech offered in terms of real solutions.
“Nothing Trump said tonight will lower prices for people in Northeast Ohio, help working people get ahead, or expand opportunity,” she said.
The Ohio lawmaker warned that Trump’s administration is laying the groundwork for drastic cuts to essential social programs while benefiting the wealthy.
“But perhaps the most revealing thing about [the speech] wasn’t what Trump said—but what he lacked the guts to admit,” Brown added. “Trump and Republicans in Congress are planning to cut Medicaid, SNAP, and Head Start, in order to give tax cuts to the rich.”
Though his first month in office has been marked with chaos and confusion, Black Republicans in Congress, praised the president and the initiatives put into place.
In a message posted with a photo of Trump, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R- SC) said via his social media platforms that he is “ready to ring in America’s Golden Age.”
The speech on March 4 underscored Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape the federal government through his alliance with billionaire Elon Musk. Critics say these changes have led to unjustified firings and a hollowing out of critical agencies.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.-7) brought attention to this issue by inviting Claire, a former HUD employee who was terminated under what Pressley called an “unlawful” effort to weaken the public sector.
“I attended this joint session…to honor my guest Claire, a former HUD employee who was unjustly terminated as part of Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s unprecedented and unlawful attacks on our federal workers,” Pressley said in a statement.
However, Pressley ultimately walked out of the speech, saying she refused to legitimize Trump’s use of the presidency to spread falsehoods.
“I could not in good conscience sit through this speech and give an audience to someone who operates with lawless disregard for Congress and the people of this nation,” she said. “This speech was just a reminder of that. It was chilling.”
Pressley wasn’t the only legislator to leave the address early. Rep. Maxwell Frost, of Florida’s 10th District, and Rep. LaMonica McIver, of New Jersey’s 10th District, joined a host of others who refused to give the president another moment of their time.
During the heated address, Democratic Rep. Al Green’s (D-Texas-9) frustration boiled over. After repeatedly interjecting to challenge the president’s remarks, Green was escorted from the chamber by security. His departure underscored the growing discontent among lawmakers over what they see as an increasingly partisan and divisive performance on the national stage.
Despite Trump’s attempts to set the tone for his presidency, Democrats made clear that they would not stand by as his administration pursues policies they see as harmful to working families and federal institutions.
“I remain squarely focused on my constituents, our community, and working to do everything I can to stop this Republican majority from making horrific cuts to Medicaid, halting cancer research, and attacking our dedicated federal workers,” Pressley said.
According to members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Trump’s address did not ease political tensions in Washington. The speech highlighted the existing partisan divide and outlined policy issues that lawmakers are expected to continue debating.
The post Members of the Congressional Black Caucus condemn U.S. president’s address in joint session of Congress as ‘misleading’ and ‘divisive’ appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
