Republican Congresswoman Makes Statement by Sitting with Democrats During Trump’s State of the Union

Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., broke with tradition during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night by deliberately choosing to sit among Democratic lawmakers rather than with her Republican colleagues.

The Florida congresswoman used the seating arrangement as a political statement, explaining her decision in a post on X: “Tonight I’m sitting among my Democrat colleagues as they choose to sit in protest. I will make a point to applaud and cheer for America’s success. America has never been stronger!”

Throughout Trump’s address, Cammack stood out visibly among the Democratic section of the House chamber, repeatedly rising to applaud the president’s remarks while those seated around her remained seated. The visual contrast highlighted the partisan divide that characterized much of the evening’s proceedings.

“Last night, I sat with Democrat colleagues to lead by example,” Cammack said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital on Wednesday. “When it comes to America, we don’t sit on our hands, WE RISE TO OUR FEET. Protecting our citizens should unite us as Representatives.”

The congresswoman expressed disappointment that her Democratic colleagues remained seated during portions of the speech addressing law enforcement, border security, economic policy, and community safety. “Instead, my colleagues on the left sat with scowls while I stood for law enforcement, secure borders, a strong economy, and safer communities,” she noted.

One of the most striking moments of partisan division came when President Trump challenged lawmakers to stand if they agreed that the government’s “first duty” is protecting American citizens rather than illegal immigrants. The request prompted enthusiastic standing ovations from Republicans while most Democrats remained seated, leading Trump to admonish those who didn’t rise, saying, “You should be ashamed of yourself for not standing up.”

The incident exemplifies the deepening political polarization in Congress, particularly on immigration issues that have become increasingly contentious during the Trump administration. Border security and immigration enforcement have been cornerstone policies of Trump’s presidency, both in his previous term and since returning to office.

The State of the Union address, a constitutionally mandated annual communication from the president to Congress, has evolved into a highly choreographed political event where reactions from lawmakers—who stands, who applauds, who remains seated—are closely scrutinized for political messaging.

Cammack, who has represented Florida’s 3rd congressional district since 2021, has positioned herself as a staunch conservative and Trump ally. Her decision to sit among Democrats appeared designed to highlight what Republicans view as Democratic obstruction to Trump’s agenda, particularly on national security issues.

“Setting the standard means standing up. Leading by example means putting America first,” Cammack said in her statement. “We can disagree on policy. But we must be united in defending our nation and our people. When Americans are in need, we rise to the challenge.”

The theatrical nature of the seating arrangement reflects the increasing emphasis on visual political messaging in the modern Congress, where symbolic gestures often receive as much attention as policy positions. Following the address, Cammack was photographed with President Trump, further emphasizing her support despite her unorthodox seating choice.

The 2026 State of the Union, Trump’s first since returning to the presidency, was marked by several memorable moments beyond Cammack’s seating choice, including pointed exchanges on immigration policy and partisan reactions that underscored the deep divisions that continue to characterize American politics.