Karoline Leavitt Tells Democrats to Applaud Trump Instead of Disrupting His Address

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has a message for Democrats reportedly planning to protest and disrupt President Donald Trump’s primetime address to Congress: maybe consider clapping instead. Leavitt told reporters Tuesday that Democrats should focus on "standing up in applause" for some of the policies Trump will highlight in his speech.

Leavitt didn’t mince words. "I think, frankly, the Democrats should think about if they should stand up in applause for some of the things President Trump will be talking about. He's bringing common sense back to this country," she said. She also criticized Senate Democrats for voting against a bill aimed at keeping men out of women’s sports, stating, "How can you be against that when 80% of the country is for it?"

On another hot topic, Leavitt addressed Trump’s decision to pause aid to Ukraine amidst tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She explained that Trump is attempting to broker peace but claimed Zelenskyy has been unwilling to engage realistically. According to Leavitt, "President Trump wants to make a deal… He wants this war to end. He wants to stop the killing. He wants to see a ceasefire." She further revealed that Trump had proposed an economic agreement to Zelenskyy, which could have involved American companies mining rare-earth minerals in Ukraine as a deterrent to Russian aggression. Unfortunately, Leavitt said, the deal fell through because Zelenskyy "did not come into the Oval Office with the right mindset."

Meanwhile, Democrats are reportedly brainstorming ways to make their displeasure known during Trump’s address. Ideas range from loud disruptions like using noisemakers to subtler gestures like carrying egg cartons to highlight rising costs or wearing coordinated outfits. The Democratic Women’s Caucus is encouraging members to wear pink, while the Congressional Black Caucus has discussed wearing black. Others have suggested wearing blue and yellow to show solidarity with Ukraine.

Top Democratic leaders are reportedly urging members to keep their protests civil, fearing that major disruptions could ultimately play into Trump’s hands. Protests during presidential speeches have become increasingly common in recent years, and while Trump’s address tonight isn’t technically a State of the Union speech, it will follow a similar format.

White House officials revealed that the speech, themed "The Renewal of the American Dream," will focus on four main points: Trump’s accomplishments during his second term, the administration’s economic achievements, renewed calls for Congress to boost border security funding, and plans for global peace. Leavitt has promised it will be "must-see TV."

The president is scheduled to address all members of Congress tonight at 9 p.m. EST.