In one particular instance, the president asked lawmakers to “stand up and show your support” if they agreed with the following statement: “The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

A select number of Democrats, including Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), took the bait, keeping their seats and choosing instead to yell at the president.

“You should be ashamed of yourself,” Trump shot back, earning raucous cheers from GOP members.

Trump deployed the tactic at least two other times, by the Washington Examiner‘s count.

Shortly after the speech, top White House officials issued statements suggesting the administration was prepared for Democrats to object.

“Here’s what the Democrats in Congress refused to stand for during the State of the Union,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X before listing off a laundry list of issues. “Democrats are crazy! President Trump and Republicans are for common sense!”

Dan Scavino, director of Trump’s Office of Presidential Personnel, pointed back to Trump’s “duty” line, adding “DEMS clearly do not agree.”

“Democrats didn’t sit on their hands the entire night,” White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller added in his own statement. “They very consciously chose exactly what/who to stand for, clap for and honor and what/who to insult, denigrate and dishonor. Democrats all CHOSE to dishonor grieving parents and sanctify criminal invaders.”

DOUG COLLINS SERVES AS DESIGNATED SURVIVOR FOR TRUMP’S STATE OF THE UNION

White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson put it even more bluntly, writing that “Democrats failed the most basic test tonight.”

“If you’re elected by the American people to serve in the American government, it should not be difficult to say your priority is Americans over illegal aliens,” she said on X.