Democrats are showing a lot of frustration towards President Trump.
A growing number of Democratic lawmakers say they will not attend President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, signaling a deepening divide in Washington as the president prepares to outline his agenda before Congress and the nation.
According to reporting from Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner, more than a dozen Democrats plan to skip the annual address and instead participate in alternative events near the Capitol and on the National Mall.
Democrats Announce Boycott of Trump Speech
Among the most prominent voices is California Sen. Adam Schiff, who announced publicly that he will not attend the State of the Union. Schiff argued that he does not believe the event should be treated as “business as usual,” citing policy disagreements with the administration.
Several other Democratic lawmakers echoed similar concerns.
- Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith criticized the tone of past presidential speeches.
- Ohio Rep. Shontel Brown said she believes the country faces serious challenges that require action beyond what she views as political messaging.
- Texas Sen. Ruben Gallego stated that he would prefer to spend time focused on policy work rather than attending the address.
- Washington Sen. Patty Murray also confirmed she will not be present.
The boycott represents one of the more visible forms of protest against President Trump’s policies during his current term.
Party Leadership Split on Strategy
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated that members of his caucus have options. Some may attend the speech quietly, while others may participate in what he described as “alternative programming” around the Capitol complex.
Jeffries himself confirmed that he plans to attend, stating that political differences should not prevent participation in major constitutional events.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum, regardless of party affiliation. He expressed hope that those who attend would avoid disruptions and respect the office of the presidency.
A Break from Tradition?
For many Americans—particularly older voters who have watched decades of State of the Union addresses—the event has historically served as a symbol of national continuity, even during periods of intense political disagreement.
Presidents from both parties have traditionally addressed a full chamber of Congress, with members attending as a sign of respect for the constitutional process.
Supporters of President Trump argue that boycotting the speech undermines that tradition. They see the State of the Union as an opportunity for the president to present his economic priorities, border security initiatives, and national security policies directly to the American people.
Critics, on the other hand, say skipping the address is a legitimate form of protest.
Guests and Political Messaging
Some lawmakers who plan to attend have indicated they will bring guests intended to highlight specific policy concerns. Virginia Rep. Suhas Subramanyam said he plans to bring individuals connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case, while Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar announced she will invite constituents affected by immigration enforcement actions.
Such gestures have become increasingly common during high-profile congressional addresses, as members use the national spotlight to emphasize key issues.
What This Means Moving Forward
The expanding boycott reflects the broader political climate heading into a pivotal year in Washington. With debates over immigration, federal spending, and foreign policy dominating headlines, tensions between Congress and the White House remain high.
Whether the strategy energizes Democratic voters or reinforces perceptions of political division remains to be seen. What is clear is that this year’s State of the Union will unfold against a backdrop of unusually visible partisan resistance.