Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) sat among Democrats during President Trump's State of the Union, saying she did so to 'lead by example' while many Democrats protested by remaining seated. She posted on X and told Fox News Digital she stood to applaud America's successes and to show support for law enforcement, border security and public safety. The moment followed Trump's challenge for lawmakers to stand if they agreed the government's 'first duty' is protecting citizens, which prompted loud GOP applause and a rebuke of Democrats who stayed seated.
Why Rep. Kat Cammack Sat With Democrats During Trump's State Of The Union — 'I Wanted To Lead By Example'
President Donald Trump and Rep. Kat Cammack take a photo following the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.(Getty Images)
Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) chose to sit on the left side of the House chamber among Democratic members during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address, saying she wanted to 'lead by example' amid protests by Democrats.
In a post on X that evening, Cammack wrote that she was sitting 'among my Democrat colleagues as they choose to sit in protest' and that she would 'applaud and cheer for America's success.' Throughout the speech she—like many Republicans—was visible standing and applauding repeatedly while numerous Democrats remained seated.
President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on Feb. 24, 2026.
'Last night, I sat with Democrat colleagues to lead by example. When it comes to America, we don’t sit on our hands, WE RISE TO OUR FEET,' Cammack told Fox News Digital. 'Protecting our citizens should unite us as Representatives. Instead, my colleagues on the left sat with scowls while I stood for law enforcement, secure borders, a strong economy, and safer communities. Setting the standard means standing up. Leading by example means putting America first.'
The exchange followed a segment of the address in which President Trump asked attendees to stand if they agreed the federal government's 'first duty' is the protection of its citizens rather than aiding 'illegal aliens.' Republicans responded with loud applause while many Democrats remained seated, prompting the president to admonish them: 'You should be ashamed of yourself [for] not standing up.'
Cammack framed her decision as putting country over party and encouraging unity on fundamental duties such as public safety and border security despite policy disagreements. Her action was presented as a symbolic attempt to model civility and bipartisanship on the House floor.
Help us improve.
