Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan and a member of the progressive "Squad," turned heads during President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress—thanks to her trusty mini-whiteboard. While other Democrats opted for pre-printed signs, Tlaib went full improv, scribbling out messages in real time that included "No king!" and "That’s a lie!" The gesture, bold and unfiltered, certainly didn’t align with House Democratic leadership’s advice to maintain decorum during the event.

Trump’s speech, clocking in at a marathon 100 minutes, didn’t deter Tlaib from expressing her discontent. One of her whiteboard messages, "What about the immigrants that worked for you?" seemed to directly challenge the president’s rhetoric. Her actions, however, drew mixed reactions from both sides of the aisle.

Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, labeled Tlaib the "poster child" for what’s often called Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS)—a term used online to describe people who reject anything associated with Trump, no matter the context. Adding some social media spice, Mace tweeted a photoshopped image of Tlaib holding a blank whiteboard and invited followers to "fill in the blank." Predictably, the internet delivered a flurry of memes and mockery.

But Tlaib’s outfit also drew attention. Critics pointed out that her keffiyeh-like jacket was a questionable choice given the presence of Noa Argamani, a former Hamas captive recently rescued by Israeli forces, among the evening's guests. The symbolism of the garment, combined with the ongoing Middle East tensions, added another layer of controversy to her appearance.

Of course, Tlaib wasn’t alone in the night’s political theatrics. Rep. Melanie Stansbury from New Mexico kicked things off by silently holding a "This is not normal" sign even before Trump began speaking. Later, Rep. Al Green from Texas disrupted the president’s address by heckling him, particularly objecting to Trump’s claim of a "mandate" after winning the popular vote alongside the Electoral College.

Democrats as a whole faced backlash for their behavior during the address. Critics slammed them for failing to applaud guests highlighted by Trump, including a young brain cancer survivor who dreams of becoming a police officer and two mothers whose children were killed by alleged illegal immigrants. Commentary from pundits like Meghan McCain and Fox News Channel contributor Ari Fleischer was scathing, calling the Democrats’ actions "disgusting" and "embarrassing."

Adding to the drama, several Democrats staged walkouts during the speech, some donning politically charged apparel. Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida made his feelings clear by sporting a shirt proclaiming "No kings live here"—a sentiment echoed in one of Tlaib’s whiteboard messages. Others wielded paddles with slogans such as "Musk steals," "Save Medicaid," and "False," reminiscent of props Tlaib used during protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It seems the evening was less about unity and more about theatrics on all sides. Whether you see Tlaib’s whiteboard as a bold statement or a breach of decorum probably depends on which side of the aisle you’re sitting on. Either way, she certainly knows how to command attention in a room full of chaos.

Rashida Tlaib News

'Squad' Member Uses Whiteboard to Clap Back at Trump: 'No King!'