During President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress last night, March 4, 2025, freshman Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) notably remained seated throughout key moments of the speech, drawing attention and criticism from some quarters. The address, which included emotional highlights such as Trump honoring a 13-year-old cancer survivor and referencing an American released from Russian detention to reunite with his mother, saw most lawmakers rise in applause—except for Subramanyam and other Democrats.

Trump’s speech, delivered amid a polarized political atmosphere, featured a mix of policy pronouncements and personal stories intended to rally bipartisan support. One standout moment came when the president introduced DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor, whom he swore in as an honorary Secret Service agent. The chamber erupted in applause, with lawmakers from both parties standing to honor the teen’s resilience. Subramanyam, however, remained in his seat, a decision that quickly fueled online chatter and conservative backlash.

Another poignant moment occurred when Trump alluded to the release of an American detainee from Russia, emphasizing the emotional reunion with the individual’s mother. While the specifics of the case were not detailed, the story was met with widespread approval from the audience—yet Subramanyam again refrained from standing, aligning himself with a group of Democrats who opted for silent protest over applause.

Social media platforms buzzed with reactions, with some calling Subramanyam’s actions disrespectful. Critics pointed to posts trending on X, where users expressed outrage, suggesting that refusing to stand for a cancer survivor or a freed detainee reflected a lack of compassion. “Democrats can’t even clap for a kid fighting cancer—what’s wrong with them?” one widely shared sentiment read.

While some Democrats joined Subramanyam in remaining seated or staging other protests—Rep. Al Green was even removed from the chamber for disrupting the speech—others stood selectively, highlighting the party’s fractured response to Trump’s return to power. Subramanyam’s steadfast refusal to rise, even for moments of apparent unity, underscores his emergence as a resolute voice among the new generation of Democrat lawmakers.

Neither Subramanyam nor his office has issued an official statement on last night’s actions as of this writing. As the 119th Congress unfolds, Subramanyam’s stance—whether seen as principled or polarizing—marks him as a figure to watch in the escalating clash between Democrats and the Trump White House.