The Democratic rebuttal to President Trump's prime-time address Tuesday evening received better ratings than the Republican leader's remarks, which may mark the first time a follow-up has outperformed the main event, according to newly released television ratings.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's, D-N.Y., follow-up remarks received a 29.3 out of 47. Trump's eight-minute Oval Office address received a 28.1/45, according to metered market results from CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, and CBS.

There was widespread mockery of the staging and appearance of the Democratic pair, with some dubbing them "the creepy twins." But the ratings indicate they may enjoy the last laugh.

CNN and MSNBC saw the highest rates of viewers who chose to watch the Pelosi-Schumer rebuttal. Twenty-six percent more CNN viewers watched the response versus the president's address and 15 percent of MSNBC viewers did the same.

Fox viewers watched both remarks at even rates. CBS had the highest number of viewers for Trump's speech: 8.04 million.

Trump's speech reiterated calls for Congress to provide $5.7 billion for enhancing the barrier at the U.S.-Mexico border. One-quarter of the federal government remains shutdown after Trump and lawmakers failed to reach a deal 17 days ago.