Overview

• Speaking at Norfolk Naval Base, the president referred to Democrats as a “little gnat” and made a flicking gesture as he delivered the line.
• The event was billed as a celebration of the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, yet he described it to the crowd as “a rally.”
• Commentators, veterans, and public figures denounced the language as dangerous and un-American, with some urging Congress to pursue censure.
• The target of the remark encompasses a large share of the country, with a July Pew survey finding 45% lean Democratic and 46% lean Republican.
• The comments followed other recent attacks on Democrats by the president, and as of reporting there were no formal congressional penalties.