Story perspectives

Rep. Thanedar Refuses to Stand During Trump’s Address, Sparks Backlash

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) did not stand during President Donald Trump’s address honoring families of children murdered by illegal immigrants.
In a Sean Hannity interview, Thanedar said he refused to stand, citing Trump’s politicization of tragedy.
Many Democrats remained seated, drawing backlash from families including Jocelyn Nungaray's mother, who called it 'shameful'.
Thanedar has introduced legislation to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing the agency is beyond reform.

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Story summary

Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) did not stand during President Donald Trump’s address honoring families of children murdered by illegal immigrants.
In a Sean Hannity interview, Thanedar said he refused to stand, citing Trump’s politicization of tragedy.
Many Democrats remained seated, drawing backlash from families including Jocelyn Nungaray's mother, who called it 'shameful'.
Thanedar has introduced legislation to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing the agency is beyond reform.