Ed Morrissey: How Do You Not Stand

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Donald Trump's State of the Union address checked all of the usual boxes. As theater however, Trump reminded Democrats of his mastery.

Trump knew Democrats wanted to make the event into a circus and became the ringmaster. He anticipated their heckling and out shouted it from the dais.

He offered America a parade of heroes while Democrats sulked in their seats. Not once but twice, Trump asked Democrats to stand with Americans and then ridiculed them for failing to rise to the occasion.

First, Trump declared that the first duty of government was to American citizens rather than illegal aliens and challenge the room to stand in agreement. Almost every Democrat remains seated and Trump scolded. You should be ashamed.

More shockingly, Democrats refuse to stand when Trump called for justice for Iryna Zarutska, the young Ukrainian woman murdered in Charlotte by a lifetime violent offender. Trump appeared shocked and rebuked them. How do you not stand?

Trump exposed the Democrats for what they are.

Radicals who care less about Americans than they do for power.

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