At least a dozen Democratic senators and representatives plan to boycott President Donald Trump’s State of the Union on Tuesday next week and attend a National Mall rally instead.
Responding to their plans, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Newsweek: “It’s not a surprise that they refuse to celebrate and honor the Americans who have benefited from the common-sense policies Republicans have governed with.”
Why It Matters
The decision by sitting members of Congress to boycott the State of the Union highlights the depth of partisan divisions in Trump’s second term.
While lawmakers from the president’s party typically attend the annual address en masse, absences by members of the opposition have increasingly become a form of political protest, signaling broader disagreements over the administration’s direction and priorities.
What To Know
A group of Democratic lawmakers plans to miss Trump’s speech and appear at the “People’s State of the Union” rally at 8:30 p.m. ET near the Capitol on the National Mall.
The event is being hosted by progressive groups, including MoveOn and MeidasTouch, and is scheduled to take place at the same time as the president’s speech.
Trump’s address is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 24, with the rally set to kick off just before.
Organizers have framed the protest as an alternative platform, highlighting the impact of Trump’s policies on everyday Americans.
Democratic leaders have wrestled with how to register their opposition after disruptive scenes during Trump’s prior address to Congress, opting this year for either quiet attendance or skipping the speech altogether.
During a contentious 2025 joint session, Texas Representative Al Green was removed after disrupting Trump’s remarks, and some other Democrats displayed protest signs, which party leaders later criticized.
The State of the Union address is traditionally delivered before a joint session of Congress and is intended to outline the president’s policy priorities while offering lawmakers and the public an overview of the administration’s agenda.
Some Democrats will still attend the address, and leadership has urged members to avoid disruptions inside the chamber even as others opt for the rally.
List of Democrats Planning to Boycott Trump’s Speech
According to organizers of the rally scheduled to take place during Trump’s State of the Union address, the following Democratic lawmakers plan to skip the speech:
- Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts
- Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon
- Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut
- Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota
- Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland
- Representative Yassamin Ansari of Arizona
- Representative Becca Balint of Vermont
- Representative Greg Casar of Texas
- Representative Veronica Escobar of Texas
- Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington
- Representative Delia Ramirez of Illinois
- Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey
What People Are Saying
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Newsweek: “Every Democrat in Congress tried to pass a $4 trillion dollar tax hike and voted against the working and middle class tax cuts the American people are seeing right now in their refunds. Democrats all voted against securing the border and deporting criminal illegals. Democrats all voted against modernizing our military.
“The list goes on. It’s not a surprise that they refuse to celebrate and honor the Americans who have benefitted from the commonsense policies Republicans have governed with.”
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland wrote on X: “Next week, Trump will deliver his State of the Union address. I won’t be there. Trump is marching America towards fascism, and I refuse to normalize his shredding of our Constitution and democracy. This cannot be business as usual.”
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut said: “Democrats have no obligation to reward him with an audience as he lies and attacks people who disagree with him.”
Representative Becca Balint of Vermont said: “Instead of sitting through what has become President Trump’s annual self-congratulation, misinformation, and division speech, I look forward to a night of standing with colleagues, organizers, advocates, and everyday Americans who are committed to doing the real and honest work of protecting our rights, strengthening our communities, and holding those in power accountable.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who has said he intends to attend the address, said: “We’re not going to his house. He’s coming to our house, and it’s the people’s house. And having grown up where I grew up, you never let anyone run you off your block.”
What Happens Next
The State of the Union address and the parallel rally are expected to draw significant attention as both sides seek to frame the political moment.
Organizers of the counter‑event say it will feature lawmakers alongside Americans affected by federal policy decisions, while Republicans are expected to use the speech to highlight the administration’s accomplishments and legislative priorities.
Update 02/19/26, 07:03 a.m. ET. This article was updated with a White House statement.
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