Dem lawmakers ignore questions over not applauding Laken Riley's mother during Trump speech

Democratic lawmakers ignored question over their refusal to stand for Laken Riley’s mother as well as other key moments in President Donald Trump’s speech earlier this week.

Fox News “Jesse Watters Primetime” sent producer Johnny Belisario to Capitol Hill to confront members of Congress about their behavior. He confronted Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, asking why she did not clap for the mother of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, who was murdered by an illegal immigrant.

Warren claimed she did clap “when [Trump] said that the United States has supported Ukraine.” Warren did not, however, answer why she refused to clap for Riley’s mother.

He also questioned Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) why he did not clap for Riley’s mother when she was recognized by Trump. “There was nothing the president had to say that was either factual or truthful,” he said in response to the questions.

Belisario also questioned New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, stating, “You didn’t stand up for anything.” Booker defended his actions, saying, “The president got before the American people and didn’t talk about how he could drive down grocery prices.”

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who in the past has acknowledged criticism within his own party, admitted that the Democratic protest may have backfired.

“I don’t think that was the best look for our party last night,” he admitted.

Democratic lawmakers appeared to have coordinated their refusal to clap throughout the speech, leaving awkward moments when they refused to applaud during nonpartisan moments. They remained seated when Trump honored a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor by naming him an honorary Secret Service agent, a decision that has since been widely criticized by the public.

Additionally, Texas Congressman Al Green was removed from the chamber after shouting during the speech, prompting condemnation from House lawmakers, including 10 Democrats.

When Belisario attempted to question Green at his office, Fox News reported he was “shooed away.”

Some Democrats engaged in silent protest during Trump’s address, holding signs with slogans such as “Save Medicaid” and “Musk Steals.” However, this too drew backlash, even from left-leaning figures. Late-night host Stephen Colbert mocked the protest, holding up his own sign that read, “Try doing something.”

A CBS News poll found that 76 percent of viewers approved of Trump’s speech, but Democrats dismissed the results. California Senator Adam Schiff responded to the poll by saying, “I don’t know what speech they were watching… it really wasn’t worth watching.”