Democrats refuse to agree that 'first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens'

President Trump startled Democrats refused to affirm the fundamental role of the federal government.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday night delivered a record-long State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress. Trump's speech touched on a number of topics and called attention to a range of Americans who have either acted heorically or sufffered deep injustice. Trump even awarded medals to American war veterans and at least one current servicemember.

"Our country is winning again. In fact, we're winning so much, we really don't know what to do about it," Trump told the nation. The president touched on some of the main issues that fueled his election to a second term, including the economy and illegal immigration. 

Democrats, dozens of whom boycotted the speech and didn't even show up, largely remained seated at times Republicans applauded Trump's remarks. At one point, Trump addressed Democrats (and Republicans) in Congress directly, saying, "I'm inviting every legislator to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle," Trump began.

"If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support," he continued. "The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens -- not illegal aliens."

Not surprisingly, the statement was met with thunderous applause from Republicans, most of whom have embraced President Trump's America first agenda.

But Democrats remained seated, refusing to stand and agree with Trump and refusing to even applaud the very idea. For nearly two minutes, as an exasperated Trump gestured that one side of the Capitol chamber refused to affirm his statement about the fundamental role of the federal government, Democrats sat defiantly.

Trump has often railed against Democrats for not putting the interests of Americans first, particularly during the four years of the Biden administration, when many followed Biden's lead and put illegal immigrants ahead of Americans by approving of open border policies.

More recently, Democrats have opposed immigration enforcement and spoken out agains the proposed SAVE America Act, which would require voter ID in order to vote in U.S. elections -- another topic Trump discussed during his address. Below, watch the dramatic moment when Democrats refused to prioritize Americans over illegal aliens.