Democrats Stage Capitol Sit-In Against Trump's Budget Bill
Sen. Cory Booker and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries led a 12-hour sit-in protest on the Capitol steps against President Trump’s budget bill.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., took a stand on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, staging a sit-in to voice opposition to President Donald Trump’s agenda as Congress returned from a two-week recess. The protest, dubbed a ‘moral moment,’ was livestreamed for over 12 hours, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views on social media platforms. The Democrats used the platform to discuss the implications of Trump’s first 100 days and the potential impacts of his proposed budget bill, which they argue threatens funding for critical entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare.
The sit-in saw participation from various activists and politicians, including American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga. Booker emphasized the urgency of the moment, stating that the sit-in was crucial to stopping proposed cuts to Medicaid and other aspects of the GOP’s agenda. The demonstration was not just a political statement but also a call to the public to share their experiences and concerns about the administration’s policies.
As Congress resumes its session, the focus will shift to the budget framework, with committees starting mark-ups on the legislation passed before the recess. Trump has added to the pressure by emphasizing the importance of the week for the ‘big, beautiful bill’ on Truth Social, promising massive tax cuts, strong border security, and other significant reforms. However, Democrats remain steadfast in their opposition, highlighting the potential negative effects on education, healthcare, and social services.
The sit-in on the Capitol steps served as a platform for Democrats to voice their concerns and rally support against what they perceive as a moral threat posed by the proposed budget bill. As negotiations continue, the stakes remain high for both sides of the political divide.