Kelly slams Trump's State of the Union as divisive, faces backlash over refusal to stand

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) accused President Donald Trump of using most of his State of the Union address to “further divide us as a nation,” in a brief video posted to social media.

“We've had 250 years of people that have held this office, a long line of great Americans of both parties, who often use that opportunity to bring the country together,” Kelly said. “Donald Trump just chose to do the opposite.”

Kelly described Trump’s record-breaking length for a State of the Union address as “angry” and“it wasn't what I expect of a president.”

The Senator said he could only pinpoint two redeeming moments of Trump’s speech such as honoring the veterans and service members and also bringing attention to the two Medal of Honor winners.

“But other than that, I think this was an incredibly disappointing and low point, if there can be one in this President's time in office,” Kelly said.

But popular conservative social media account “Libs of TikTok” was quick to point out that Kelly remained seated along with other Democrats, when Trump explicitly called on all lawmakers to stand if they agreed that their top priority is “protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

"One of the great things about the State of the Union is how it gives Americans the chance to see clearly what their representatives really believe," Trump said.

"So tonight, I'm inviting every legislator to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle: if you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens," Trump continued.

The Republican lawmakers stood while the Democrats remained seated. The camera panned to Kelly, who remained seated as he stared down Trump.

"Isn't that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself for not standing up. You should be ashamed of yourself," Trump said.

Kelly also released a subsequent statement following the State of the Union address in which he accused Trump of failing to share a “real plan to lower costs” and accused his “illegal tariffs” of making things worse.

While roughly 70 Democratic lawmakers boycotted Trump’s address, Kelly made it a point to be present. He said he would not be "intimidated" by the president.

The Senator, who is also a former Navy captain, faces an ongoing probe from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to have his official retirement rank demoted as well as his retirement pension. The push by Hegseth is connected to a video Kelly appeared in alongside five other lawmakers calling on service members and intelligence community members to disobey illegal orders. A Justice Department investigation into the video rendered fruitless after a grand jury refused to indict the six lawmakers.