WASHINGTON — In response to President Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, Democrats are orchestrating a boycott and planning to host an alternative rally. This move follows criticism of their boisterous conduct during last year’s State of the Union speech.
Known as the “People’s State of the Union,” this event will see several Democrats gather on the National Mall, close to the Capitol, to voice their opposition to Trump’s primetime address.
The event is being organized by the progressive media outlet MeidasTouch and the advocacy group MoveOn. Despite this, prominent party figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) have confirmed they will attend Trump’s address.
“As of now, I plan to be there,” Jeffries informed reporters on Wednesday. “The address takes place in our house, not Donald Trump’s. I believe in standing my ground and not being driven away from my own domain.”
The exact number of Democrats participating in the alternative rally remains uncertain, though about a dozen have already committed. This follows a similar protest when several Democrats skipped Trump’s speech in 2025.
The Senate Democrats confirmed to join the counter-event, according to organizers, include: Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
House Democrats include Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).
Some Democrats are also likely to stage a walkout in the middle of Trump’s speech to create a spectacle for TV cameras in the House chamber.
“The only question for me is which of his disgusting lines prompts me to get up and leave, because at some point I will,” Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) sniped to Axios.
Last year, during Trump’s joint session of Congress, which was not called a State of the Union because Trump was just kicking off his new term, Rep. Al Green (R-Texas) was infamously hauled out of the House chamber after waving his cane and shouting at the president.
Other Democratic reps waived paddles and donned pins. Leadership had privately begged them to be on their best behavior during the televised event.
During the “People’s State of the Union,” Democrats are planning to spotlight individuals who have been impacted by rising health care costs and the cost of living, as well as immigrants.
Left pundits Joy Reid and Katie Phang are slated to host the event.
