This political stunt from President Donald Trump’s speech to the join session of Congress Tuesday was the lowest Democrats have EVER sank, critics say.
During Trump’s stirring speech to Congress, he thanked the widow of a U.S. Navy SEAL killed in Yemen. As Carryn Owens stood in the balcony of the House chamber, tears streaming down her face as she looked upward and appeared to whisper to her husband, lawmakers stood for two minutes to applaud her sacrifice.
According to The Daily Wire, however, Democratic leaders Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Keith Ellison refused to stand and clap with their fellow elected representatives.
Owens’ husband, Senior Chief William “Ryan” Owens, was killed last month in a raid approved by Trump, a tough decision that has been defended almost universally by military experts.
Trump, near the end of his hour-long speech, paid tribute to Carryn Owens, a surprise guest whose presence in the first lady’s box was not announced in advance by the White House.
“The challenges we face as a nation are great. But our people are even greater. And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform,” said Trump, who said they were “blessed” to be joined by Owens.
The president then turned to the balcony where Owens sat next to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and said “Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero — battling against terrorism and securing our nation.”
The chamber roared with cheers as Owens stood and cried, creating what would likely become the signature moment of Trump’s address.
You can watch the powerful moment here —
Trump quoted Defense Secretary Jim Mattis defending the action, saying “Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies.”
“Ryan’s legacy is etched into eternity,” Trump said. “For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom — we will never forget him.”
Carryn Owens cheered the president’s remarks regarding her husband’s sacrifice. Democratic leaders, however, chose to play political theater rather than stand up for the wife of a slain hero.
That’s shameful.
The Associated Press contributed to this article