President Donald Trump (R) issued his first joint address to congress this week, which triggered a dramatic show of defiance from Democrats. In response to the address, a group of Democrat lawmakers walked out, citing the president’s broken promises and harmful policies.
In a press release from Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D), the protest was likened to the 81st Congress’ response to President Gerald Ford (R) following Watergate. In this case, the walkout aimed to highlight what Democrats argue is President Trump’s failure to uphold his economic and policy commitments.
Rep. Crockett, whose district includes Dallas Love Field and is near DFW International Airport, specifically called out the Trump Administration’s proposed shutdown of a VA hospital in her district and staffing shortages at the FAA.
We will not normalize… pic.twitter.com/eJh7EzI17u
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) March 5, 2025
“I walked out because I want the President and my constituents to know that I’m not going to sit here while you try to shut down the VA hospital in my district. I’m not going to stand by while you short-staff the FAA at the same time planes are colliding in the sky left and right,” she commented.
She also criticized the president’s economic policies, particularly tariffs, which she argues will devastate Texas’ economy. “Texas exports more goods than any other state and we import more than 48 of them—tariffs will cripple our economy, kill jobs, while prices skyrocket,” she said.
The protest was part of a broader effort by House Democrats to push back against what they described as an “erosion of constitutional rights” and economic instability under President Trump’s leadership.
In a joint statement, the lawmakers accused President Trump of undermining American institutions, turning his back on allies, and rolling back protections for veterans, workers, and consumers.
“The President wants to erase all of the progress our country has made since the Great Depression,” the statement read. “Trump continues to create a hostile work environment for federal employees and is laying off essential personnel at the VA, air traffic control, and food safety inspections.”
