If body language tells the story of a room, several Democrats made their message clear during President **Donald Trump**’s February 24, 2026 State of the Union address: they’d rather be anywhere else — including asleep.
As the president laid out his administration’s accomplishments and second-term agenda, cameras caught Rep. **David Scott** (D-GA) dozing off in his seat. The 80-year-old congressman, who has represented Georgia’s 13th District since 2003, appeared to nod off roughly 56 minutes into the speech. He jolted awake only when applause thundered through the chamber.
The clip went viral within minutes.
The Republican National Committee’s research account blasted the moment online: “Democrat Rep. David Scott is literally sleeping at the State of the Union. Democrats are unserious people.” Other commentators piled on, arguing that the image symbolized a party disengaged from the concerns of everyday Americans.
Some observers were quick to note Scott’s age, suggesting he be given grace. But that comment quickly triggered another familiar debate — whether decades-long careers in Congress are part of the problem. After all, if lawmakers are too tired to stay awake during a two-hour address, critics argue, perhaps it’s time to revisit the issue of term limits.
Scott wasn’t alone.
Reps. **Tom Suozzi** (D-NY) and **Debbie Wasserman Schultz** (D-FL) were also spotted struggling to keep their eyes open as the president spoke.
Suozzi’s nap came at a particularly awkward moment — just before President Trump urged lawmakers to stand in agreement that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens — not illegal aliens.” While Republicans rose in applause, Suozzi appeared slumped forward with his head in his hands. When he stirred, his expression looked less than enthusiastic.
Later, attempting humor, Suozzi posted on social media: “I have always had a hard time staying awake during reruns.” The jab was meant to dismiss the speech as repetitive. For many Americans watching at home, however, it may have reinforced a different perception — that Democrats simply aren’t interested in hearing about border security or restoring national sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Wasserman Schultz was seen rubbing her eyes and staring down at her hands while President Trump criticized the open-border policies of former President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats. At one point, she too appeared to drift off.
Yet after the speech, she struck a combative tone, calling the event a “revolting 2-hour awards show — with lies for commercial breaks.” She accused the president of mocking Americans struggling with high costs and pledged to “fight for them 24/7.”
That pledge rang hollow for some viewers who had just watched members of her party literally snooze through the address.
The two-hour speech featured emotional moments honoring military heroes and first responders. The U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team received a roaring standing ovation after their gold-medal victory over Canada, with chants of “U-S-A” echoing through the chamber.
While Republicans stood, applauded, and waved flags, portions of the Democratic caucus sat stone-faced — or asleep.
In politics, symbolism matters. And on one of the biggest nights of the year, the image of lawmakers nodding off while the president spoke about border security, economic revival, and American pride may linger longer than any single line of the speech itself.
