Op-Ed: Rep. August Pfluger and Rep. Michael Cloud: President Donald Trump showed how Democrats have lost their way
Washington Reporter
Rep. August Pfluger & Rep. Michael Cloud | March 10, 2025
In a single evening, the American people witnessed a stark contrast between two visions for our nation. President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress highlighted remarkable Americans who have overcome extraordinary challenges, while Democrats showed exactly who they are: a party that has completely lost its way.
As the President recognized heroes in the gallery, Democrats couldn’t even muster the basic decency to stand. When 13-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, battling brain and spine cancer while pursuing his dream of working in law enforcement, was made an honorary Secret Service Agent, Democrats remained seated. The President acknowledged Allyson and Lauren Phillips — the grieving mother and sister of Laken Riley, whose tragic murder inspired legislation signed into law this January — and Democrats couldn’t be bothered to pay respect.
When President Trump recognized Payton McNabb, whose volleyball career ended after suffering a traumatic brain injury when struck by a biological male competitor, Democrats chose politics over compassion. The President also honored Mark Fogel, an American history teacher imprisoned overseas since 2021 and finally brought home, alongside his 95-year-old mother who lobbied tirelessly for his release. Democrats didn’t rise to celebrate his freedom.
The only moment that seemed to animate Democrats? When Ukraine was mentioned.
Apparently, standing for foreign nations is acceptable, but honoring American citizens who’ve endured unimaginable hardships is not.
Instead of showing respect, many Democrats were glued to their phones, while others walked out during the address. Most egregiously, Rep. Al Green (D., Texas) shouted at the President during his speech — behavior so inappropriate that it resulted in a bipartisan censure vote.
This disgraceful display reveals an undeniable truth: today’s Democratic Party has abandoned American values for partisan politics. They have no vision for America’s future — just blind resistance to President Trump’s agenda.
As roughly 36 million people saw, this opposition knows no boundaries; lines will be crossed in disrespecting brave Americans in order to score a point against President Trump.
The same opposition extends to the media establishment. When President Trump highlighted wasteful government spending during his address, the fake news media rushed to “fact check” him, only to be proven wrong. Their eagerness to undermine the President rather than investigate government waste exposes their true agenda and where their priorities lie.
While Democrats and their media allies obstruct progress, Republicans are charting a clear course forward. In fewer than 50 days, the Trump administration and the Republican Congress are tackling the crises created during four years of failed Democratic leadership. We’re rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in government agencies, cutting bloated bureaucracy, and redirecting resources to programs that actually serve the American people.
Where Democrats brought economic uncertainty, we’re delivering prosperity. Where they created chaos at our border, we’re restoring order. Where they projected weakness abroad, we’re rebuilding American strength. Most importantly, where they expanded government to serve special interests, we’re making government work FOR the American people again.
The contrast couldn’t be clearer. One party recognizes and celebrates American resilience, sacrifice, and courage while demanding accountability from our institutions. The other can’t even stand up for a child with cancer, a grieving family, an injured athlete, or a freed American teacher — and fights to preserve wasteful spending at every turn.
Our message to the American people is simple: We see you. We honor your struggles and triumphs. We believe your stories matter more than partisan politics and your tax dollars deserve respect.
The golden age of American renewal has begun. With President Trump’s leadership and a unified Republican Congress, we will deliver the secure, prosperous future that every American deserves — including those Democrats refused to honor.
It’s a time for choosing for the other side of the aisle: Rise with us or watch from the sidelines as we make America great again.