Democrats Divided on Trump's State Of The Union: Boycotts, Silent Protests, and Counter-Events Explained

Tonight, February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump delivers his first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress, starting at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT). The speech is expected to highlight economic achievements, immigration enforcement, tariff policies, and foreign affairs—including recent military actions and tensions with Iran—while setting the tone for the upcoming midterms.

However, the event is unfolding amid clear signs of Democratic division and protest. While party leadership urges a measured response, a notable number of Democrats are choosing to skip the address entirely, opting instead for "silent defiance" in the chamber or participation in alternative events. This approach reflects deep polarization, with some viewing attendance as normalizing the administration's agenda and others seeing boycotts as a symbolic stand against policies on immigration, federal workforce cuts, and more.

Party Leadership's Guidance: Attend with Restraint or Skip

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has outlined two main options for House Democrats: attend the speech in "silent defiance" (no outbursts, focused listening) or skip it to join "alternate programming" around the Capitol. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is also attending. Jeffries has emphasized avoiding distractions that could overshadow policy critiques, drawing lessons from past responses that sometimes backfired.

This guidance allows flexibility—many rank-and-file members are bringing guests affected by administration policies (e.g., federal workers, immigrants, or families impacted by enforcement actions) to spotlight real-world consequences without verbal disruptions.

The Boycotters: A Growing List

Reports indicate dozens of Democrats (estimates range from at least a dozen to around 50) plan to boycott the address. Many cite opposition to what they describe as an "extreme" or "dangerous" agenda, including immigration crackdowns, potential military escalations, and economic policies harming working families.

Key figures confirmed or reported as skipping include:

• Senators:

  • Ed Markey (D-Mass.)

  • Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)

  • Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)

  • Tina Smith (D-Minn.)

  • Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)

  • Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.)

  • Patty Murray (D-Wash., No. 3 Senate Democrat)

  • Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)

• Representatives:

  • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)

  • Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash., Progressive Caucus)

  • Greg Casar (D-Texas)

  • Veronica Escobar (D-Texas)

  • Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.)

  • Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)

  • Sean Casten (D-Ill.)

  • Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.)

  • Becca Balint (D-Vt.)

  • Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.)

  • Others like Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), and more from various states.

Some boycotters, including those who skipped Trump's inaugurations, frame their absence as a refusal to participate in what they see as a "vanity project" or platform for misinformation.

Counter-Events: The "People’s State of the Union"

A major alternative is the People’s State of the Union rally on the National Mall, starting around 8 p.m. ET. Hosted by progressive groups like MoveOn Civic Action and MeidasTouch, with coalition partners, it features:

• "Everyday Americans" impacted by policies (e.g., laid-off federal workers, immigrant families).

• Hosted by former MSNBC personalities Katie Phang and Joy Reid.

• Livestreamed for broader reach.

• Participation from several boycotting lawmakers and allies.

This event aims to center voices ignored in the official address, emphasizing accountability, truth, and resistance to what democrat organizers call Trump's "chaos" and misplaced priorities.

What It Means: Symbolism, Optics, and Midterm Implications

The split—some attending quietly, others boycotting or rallying—highlights ongoing Democratic strategy debates: Engage to hold power accountable, or withdraw to avoid legitimizing? Critics of boycotts argue absences could let Trump claim victimhood or portray opponents as obstructionist. Supporters see it as a principled stand against normalization.

Visually, empty Democratic seats may be noticeable on broadcasts, potentially amplifying the protest message. With midterms looming, this could energize bases on both sides: resistance for progressives, unity for Republicans.

As the address begins tonight, the chamber's dynamics will tell part of the story. Tune in via major networks or C-SPAN, and follow developments for reactions and the Democratic response (e.g., from Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger in some reports).

What do you think—effective protest or missed opportunity? Share your take below, and stay tuned to @NewsWecu for updates!