Washington — Dozens of Democrats opted to boycott President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, choosing instead to participate in counterprogramming events as a demonstration of opposition. The move comes as the President delivered the first address of his second term and highlights the deep political divisions within the United States.
Rather than attending the speech in person, many Democratic lawmakers chose to make a statement through their absence. This year’s approach differed from previous protests, which included vocal disruptions and visible displays of dissent within the House chamber. Last year, Representative Al Green of Texas was escorted out after shouting during the President’s address, and other Democrats protested by holding signs or walking out.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries outlined the options available to Democrats last week, stating, “The two options that are in front of us in our House is to either attend with silent defiance or to not attend, and send a message to Donald Trump in that fashion.” He likewise pointed to the opportunities to participate in alternative programming around the Capitol.
One of the key counterprogramming events, dubbed the “People’s State of the Union,” took place on the National Mall. Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Tina Smith of Minnesota, and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland were among those who attended, alongside Representatives Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Becca Balint of Vermont, and Greg Casar of Texas. Senator Markey emphasized the importance of this alternative gathering, saying, “If Trump will not honor the American people, then the people should turn off his remarks and turn toward each other – toward their neighbors, their communities, and the real power of this country.”
Another counterprogramming event, called the “State of the Swamp,” was held at the National Press Club. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, and Representatives Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Dan Goldman of New York, and Eugene Vindman of Virginia were present.
The boycott is the latest sign of ongoing resistance to the Trump administration, and underscores the challenges the President faces in uniting the country. A growing number of Democrats are attempting to divert attention away from the President’s address, with at least a score attending the “People’s State of the Union” event near the Lincoln Memorial, according to reports. The event was organized by MeidasTouch and MoveOn Civic Action, both left-leaning activist groups, and focused on criticisms of the President’s first year back in office.
Representatives Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, Veronica Escobar of Texas, John Larson of Connecticut, Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California, Delia Ramirez of Illinois, Sara Jacobs of California, Emily Randall of Washington, and Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey also joined the counterprogramming efforts. Some Democrats, like Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Representative Jared Golden of Maine, chose to skip the State of the Union address altogether but did not participate in the alternative events.
The President, meanwhile, used his address to tout his economic policies, delivering what has been described as the longest State of the Union address in history. Fox News reported that the President’s speech was filled with criticisms of his political opponents and a defense of his administration’s record.
