During the State of the Union, President Donald Trump asked members of Congress to stand if they agreed that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

Republicans stood.

Many Democrats remained seated.

The moment was broadcast live to millions of Americans. It wasn’t about partisanship — it was about affirming a basic principle: that protecting American citizens comes first.

Refusing to stand when asked to affirm protecting American citizens sends a powerful message — and voters deserve clarity about what that message means.

We call on Democratic lawmakers who remained seated to publicly state whether they agree that protecting American citizens is the first duty of the federal government.

If they do, they should say so clearly.
If they don’t, voters deserve to know that too.

American citizens must come first.
Accountability matters.
Stand for the people — not political theater.