Democrats expressed strong disapproval of Donald Trump’s first prime-time speech to Congress since his return to the White House, as the address highlighted a deeply divided nation and an opposition party grappling with his bold agenda.

Restricted to minority status in both the Senate and House of Representatives, Democrats found themselves limited in their ability to effectively counter Trump’s 1 hour and 40-minute speech, which served as a showcase of what he called his accomplishments since regaining office.

Some of the party’s rising figures, such as Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, chose to protest by not attending.

Those who did attend made their displeasure known by turning their backs on the president and holding signs with messages such as “No kings”, “Save Medicaid”, and “Musk steals”, referring to Elon Musk’s significant role in cutting government costs.

One commentator, Symone Sanders-Townsend from MSNBC, criticized the protest as ineffective, resembling bingo signs.

Trump used the silent backdrop of discontented Democrats, some of whom were holding Ukrainian flags or wearing the country’s colors, to highlight their reactions as he spoke, stating his inability to please them.

Protest was not entirely passive; some shouted “January 6” when Trump discussed law and order and praised the police, in reference to the 2021 Capitol attack.

Representative Al Green from Texas was ejected after loudly heckling the President, stating his expulsion was worth it to show opposition.

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin delivered the Democratic response, criticizing Trump’s support for Vladimir Putin and quoting Ronald Reagan, indicating that the Republican would be “rolling in his grave” over Trump’s deference to Putin.

Slotkin urged citizens and her Democratic colleagues to fight against the perceived threat to democracy posed by Trump’s policies and leadership.

Representative Jasmine Crocket from Texas used more forceful language, labeling Trump’s expressed interest in taking over Greenland as “really psychotic” and calling the situation a “terrible nightmare” that diminished America’s values.