Why Democratic lawmakers wore pink for Trump's first Congress speech
What's the story
Democratic women in Congress made a bold statement by wearing bright pink during President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.
The color choice, spearheaded by Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico, was a symbol of protest against Trump's policies.
The Democratic Women's Caucus believes these policies adversely affect women and families.
"Pink is a color of power and protest," Leger Fernandez told Time magazine.
Protest details
Democratic Women's Caucus protests against Trump's policies
The 96-member Democratic Women's Caucus gathered outside the US Capitol ahead of the address to protest.
"Women cannot afford Trump," Leger Fernandez said, citing financial, health, and safety concerns under his administration.
"He costs us too much in terms of money, health, lives and safety," she said.
"From cradle to old age, this man and the Republican agenda is devastating for America's women. We want the world to know we stand in protest, we stand in power."
Solidarity and opposition
Congressmen join protest, opposition lawmakers challenge Trump
In a show of solidarity with the protesting congresswomen, several congressmen also wore pink ties.
Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico held a sign reading "this is not normal" as Trump entered the chamber.
During the speech, some opposition lawmakers exited while others vocally challenged Trump's claims about federal budget cuts.
Some men were also seen wearing yellow and blue ties to stand with Ukraine following Trump's faceoff with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Oval Office on Friday.
Address overview
Trump's address and the Democratic response
President Trump's address was his first major speech since he returned to office in January.
The theme was "The Renewal of the American Dream," with Trump expected to outline key policy objectives and achievements.
After Trump's speech, newly elected Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin delivered the official Democratic response, focusing on economic and national security issues while advocating for transparency from leaders.