Rep. Rashida Tlaib faced sharp criticism after video circulated showing her appearing to chant “KKK” as Republican lawmakers cheered “USA” during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night. The moment, captured on camera and widely shared online, intensified already heated partisan tensions inside the House chamber.
The National Republican Congressional Committee posted a clip of Rashida Tlaib seated next to Ilhan Omar during the speech. In the footage, Tlaib appears to mouth “KKK” as Republicans stood and chanted “USA.” The NRCC accused Tlaib of showing contempt for the country, stating the clip reflected broader Democratic hostility toward the administration.
The exchange occurred during a moment when President Trump asked members of Congress to stand if they agreed that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect American citizens rather than illegal aliens. Republicans rose in support, while Democrats remained seated.
Following the address, president trump criticized both lawmakers in a Truth Social post, calling them “lunatics” and “mentally deranged.” He accused them of disruptive behavior during what he described as an important national event. The president also repeated his earlier comment suggesting they should be sent “back from where they came,” escalating rhetoric between the White House and progressive Democrats.
Tlaib and Omar, the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, have been vocal critics of president trump’s immigration and foreign policy positions. Both lawmakers appeared disengaged for much of the speech, according to media reports, and reportedly left before its conclusion.
The State of the Union drew additional controversy as dozens of Democrats chose not to attend. Among them was Pramila Jayapal, who instead attended a separate activist event.
The confrontation underscores the deep ideological divide in Washington as president trump presses forward on border security, economic policy, and cultural issues ahead of upcoming legislative battles.
