Democrats Demoralized and 'In Disarray' After Trump's Victory, CNN's Jake Tapper Says

CNN host Jake Tapper didn’t sugarcoat it—Democrats are struggling to figure out how to be the opposition to President Donald Trump. Following Trump’s joint session speech on Tuesday, Tapper described the Democratic Party as being "in disarray."

"They do not know how to be the opposition force," Tapper remarked ahead of Trump’s address, which spanned more than 90 minutes. During the speech, Trump highlighted his administration’s accomplishments and outlined his vision for the future. It was, in essence, a big victory lap—complete with a spotlight and a standing ovation from much of the room.

CNN anchor John King chimed in, emphasizing how Democrats are grappling with their strategy. "They're having a hard time trying to figure out how to deal with Trump, and they're having a hard time figuring out who they should put forward," King said.

Tapper also noted the visible energy gap between the two parties. "I have to say, you can really sense Republicans with a pep in their step and Democrats rather demoralized," he explained. While he acknowledged the Republican dominance of the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court, Tapper highlighted that even when out of power, the Republicans often appear more energized than Democrats do now.

The GOP’s rising stars aren’t helping the Democrats’ case either. Tapper pointed to Vice President JD Vance’s rapid ascent in Republican ranks, calling it a "meteoric rise." The Marine veteran and author transitioned from being a U.S. Senator to Trump’s running mate in a few short years. Now, he’s second in line to the presidency. Talk about fast-tracking a career.

Meanwhile, the Democrats’ internal strife spilled into public view. During Trump’s speech, Rep. Al Green was ejected from the chamber after a dramatic outburst. Green, cane in hand, began shouting and waving at the president before being escorted out by the sergeant at arms. Speaker Johnson’s swift action to remove Green underscored the fractured and fiery mood within the opposition.

At this point, calling Democrats "demoralized" feels like an understatement. While Republicans are lining up their ducks, the Democrats seem to be chasing their tails, wondering how to regain their footing. It’s a tough hill to climb, especially with Trump basking in the glow of his self-declared momentum.