Fetterman Criticizes 'Yelling and Screaming' from Dem Colleagues During Trump SOTU

The Pennsylvania senator says Democrats should 'respect the office' of the presidency.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) criticized the 'yelling and screaming' from his Democratic colleagues during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, saying they should 'respect the office' regardless of who is president. Fetterman said he was the only Democrat to shake Trump's hand and mocked an alternative event for Democrats that featured frog costumes, saying 'dancing frogs' don't help the party.

Why it matters

Fetterman's comments highlight a divide within the Democratic party, with some members taking more confrontational approaches to the opposing party's president while others advocate for a more respectful tone. This reflects an ongoing debate within the party about the best way to oppose the president's policies.

The details

During Trump's State of the Union address, there were multiple protests by Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Al Green being escorted out for holding a sign about Trump's comments, and Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib yelling at the president. Fetterman said he believes he was the only Democrat to shake Trump's hand, and he criticized the 'constant kinds of yelling and screaming and, you know, holding up signs and doing all of these things' by his colleagues.

  • The State of the Union address took place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Fetterman made his comments on Fox News' 'America's Newsroom' on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Sen. John Fetterman

A Democratic senator from Pennsylvania who criticized his party colleagues' behavior during the State of the Union address.

President Donald Trump

The president whose State of the Union address was disrupted by protests from Democratic lawmakers.

Rep. Al Green

A Democratic congressman from Texas who was escorted out of the State of the Union address after holding up a sign.

Rep. Ilhan Omar

A Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota who yelled at President Trump during his speech.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib

A Democratic congresswoman from Michigan who yelled at President Trump during his speech.

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What they’re saying

“The constant kinds of yelling and screaming and, you know, holding up signs and doing all of these things — I don't care if it's a Republican or Democrat as the president, just don't do that. Respect the office.”

— Sen. John Fetterman (Fox News)

“As a Democrat, I don't think dancing frogs moves the ball for us as a party either.”

— Sen. John Fetterman (Fox News)

The takeaway

Fetterman's criticism of his Democratic colleagues' behavior during the State of the Union address reflects an ongoing debate within the party about the best way to oppose the president's policies. While some favor a more confrontational approach, Fetterman advocates for a more respectful tone and 'respect[ing] the office' of the presidency.