The speech was a chance for Trump to make his case ahead of the midterms.
President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union Tuesday night in Washington, as a majority of Americans disapprove of how he is handling inflation, tariffs, relations with other countries, immigration and the economy, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.
For Trump, the speech was a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November's midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake. Dozens of Democrats, meanwhile, skipped the speech in protest.
President Trump pushed for passage of the Save America Act. His comments animated Republicans in the chamber, nearly all of whom stood and vigorously applauded him.
"It's very simple: All voters show voter ID. All voters must show proof of citizenship," Trump said.
Democrats have said the bill is a nonstarter in the Senate, though Trump has repeatedly put pressure on GOP leaders to ensure it becomes law.
President Trump got an extended applause from the chamber after calling on members of Congress to "stand up and show your support" and affirm that they believe that the "first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens."
Trump looked around the chamber while waiting for the applause to end, at times shaking his head and gesturing toward the Democrats who did not stand or clap.
"Isn't that a shame. You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up," he said.
Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar could be seen shouting at Trump from the chamber.
The president took aim at Democrats again for the partial shutdown that has ended funding to the Department of Homeland Security.
He also criticized them for the federal government shutdown last year and demanded that DHS funding be restored fully.
President Trump urged the Stop Insider Trading Act to pass "without delay" to ensure that members of Congress do not "corruptly profit from using insider information."
As some Democrats stood up and applauded, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Trump responded, "They stood up for that? I can't believe it."
"Did Nancy Pelosi stand up, if she is here? Doubt it," he quipped.
Former House Speaker Pelosi appeared to not react. She has faced allegations of trading on insider information during her time in Congress, but has denied any impropriety.
