On Tuesday’s Faulkner Focus, a voter panel debated the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term that evening, with a strong emphasis anticipated on the economy and affordability. Harris Faulkner, the host of “Faulkner Focus,” asked a Republican panelist named Dwayne, who is a teacher, for his views on patriotism.
“It seems like we’ve fallen into a sort of tribalism. If you disagree with the president, then it’s somehow acceptable to show disrespect—not just to him, but to the country and the Constitution as well,” Dwayne explained.
“As a teacher, I’ve seen students express opinions that others might not agree with. I never thought it was right for anyone to just walk out of the classroom; we should all uphold a certain degree of civility. What’s happening now on the left is… well, it seems like they’re doing it for political gain,” Dwayne, who is black, continued. “Even though Barack Obama deported more people than Trump, some folks have seemingly forgotten their past stances. Now, it’s as if it’s acceptable to shout and leave the conversation, and civility in our country is slowly eroding.”
Democrats had previously faced backlash for their behavior during Trump’s speech to Congress on March 4, 2025, with many remaining seated and offering sparse applause, even during poignant moments like when Secret Service Director Sean Curran presented credentials to Devaljay “DJ” Daniel, a brain cancer patient. Dwayne’s remarks elicited criticism from left-leaning panelists.
“It’s similar to the way people think about civility around January 6,” said Adam, a self-described independent who leans progressive. Dwayne countered by referencing an incident in Minneapolis when operatives were attacked without response.
“It’s just brutalizing people who don’t deserve it,” Adam responded, to which Dwayne asked, “But how many lives have been lost due to illegal immigrants? Doesn’t that count?”
The discussion highlighted the contentious presence of federal law enforcement in Minnesota after the shooting deaths of Alex Preti and Renee Nicole Good during a confrontation with DHS agents in January, related to actions against illegal immigration. The back-and-forth on immigration persisted until Faulkner redirected the conversation.
“Estimates suggest over 11 million people have entered this country; some say it’s much more. Illegal immigration is a serious concern. I know what your standpoint is, Adam. You call yourself progressive and independent, but let’s be real, progressives aren’t a distinct political party, so your views may lean more left than many moderates in your party would.” Faulkner continued, “We need to look at the large influx of unvetted illegal aliens as a systematic issue rather than as individuals. If any one of us is hurt, it impacts us all, doesn’t it? Recognizing that requires strength.”
