MAGA Rep Melts Down After Being Cornered on Trump Snub

Wisconsin congressman Derrick Van Orden lashes out at reporter over Trump ignoring him at State of the Union

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A video shows Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a staunch Trump supporter, getting defensive and insulting a reporter who asked him about Trump not shaking his hand at the State of the Union address. Van Orden made excuses for why Trump didn't acknowledge him, claiming the Secret Service prevented him from getting close to the president.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the tensions within the Republican party, as some MAGA-aligned lawmakers seek validation from Trump, only to be snubbed by the former president. It also speaks to the divisive political climate, where even simple questions can provoke heated reactions from elected officials.

The details

In the video, the reporter asks Van Orden if he was "sad that Trump wouldn't shake your hand?" Van Orden responds by calling the question "stupid" and insulting the reporter, saying his "only promotion potential is like, to become a nagging mother-in-law." In another video, Van Orden tries to explain why Trump didn't shake his hand, claiming that Senator Ron Johnson greeted the president first and Van Orden was just following him out, but was stopped by a Secret Service agent.

  • The incident occurred at the State of the Union address in February 2026.
  • Van Orden made the comments about flying on Air Force Two with Vice President JD Vance last month.

The players

Derrick Van Orden

A Republican congressman from Wisconsin and a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who did not shake Van Orden's hand at the State of the Union address.

Ron Johnson

A Republican senator from Wisconsin who greeted Trump at the State of the Union, according to Van Orden's explanation.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who Van Orden flew with on Air Force Two.

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What they’re saying

“See, they ask these stupid questions, and they want me to say something. So this guy, his only promotion potential is like, to become a nagging mother-in-law.”

— Derrick Van Orden, Congressman

“Oh, and by the way, President Trump didn't dump me. Ron Johnson said, 'Hey, Mr. President.' And he turned around, and I was just going to follow him out.”

— Derrick Van Orden, Congressman

What’s next

It is unclear if there will be any further developments or consequences related to Van Orden's reaction to the reporter's question.

The takeaway

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican party, as some MAGA-aligned lawmakers seek validation from Trump, only to be publicly snubbed by the former president. It also demonstrates the divisive political climate, where even simple questions can provoke heated reactions from elected officials.