Some moments are supposed to rise above partisan sniping. Honoring American soldiers and veterans during a State of the Union address should be one of them. Apparently, not everyone got that memo.
Democrat Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois is facing backlash after mocking President Trump’s decision to award medals to service members and veterans during Tuesday night’s address. Speaking on a livestream titled “The Black People’s Response to the State of the Union,” Kelly compared the ceremony to a television giveaway.
“It was like an award show. You get a medal, you get a medal, you get a medal,” Kelly said, laughing. Podcaster Angela Rye chimed in with a reference to the famous Oprah meme, joking, “You get a car, you get a car.”
That is how Kelly chose to describe American heroes being recognized for service and sacrifice.
Democrat Rep. Robin Kelly laughs at and mocks American veterans who received the Medal of Honor during President Trump's SOTU speech.
KELLY: “It was like an award show, you get a medal! You get a medal! You get a medal!”
Absolutely despicable. pic.twitter.com/dIPgxZayJp
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 25, 2026
President Trump used the nationally televised address to highlight several individuals, including soldiers and veterans whose actions embodied courage and duty. These moments are traditionally met with bipartisan applause. Even in deeply divided times, members of Congress typically stand together when honoring those who have worn the uniform.
Kelly, who is running for the Democratic nomination to replace Senator Dick Durbin in 2026, clearly saw it differently. Instead of treating the recognition as solemn, she framed it as political theater.
New York Democrat Representative Yvette Clarke, who did not attend the address, also dismissed the speech as “as horrific as I thought it would be.” But Kelly’s comments stood out because they targeted the honorees themselves, not just the president delivering the speech.
There is a difference between criticizing policy and belittling moments meant to honor service members. Members of the military volunteer to defend the country, often at great personal cost. Medals and public recognition are not props. They are acknowledgments of sacrifice.
State of the Union addresses have long included personal stories and awards. Presidents from both parties have invited guests and highlighted acts of heroism. It is part of the tradition. Reducing those moments to punchlines may earn laughs on a livestream, but it risks alienating voters who still believe service to the country deserves respect.
Political debates are expected. Disagreements over immigration, spending, or foreign policy are part of the democratic process. But mocking veterans for being honored crosses into a different territory.
Kelly’s comments may play well in certain activist circles, especially during a heated Senate primary. Still, many Americans watching at home saw something else Tuesday night. They saw service members recognized on a national stage. For them, it was not an “award show.” It was a reminder that despite all the noise in Washington, there are still individuals who put country before self.
That used to be something everyone could applaud.
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