At least a dozen Democratic lawmakers are reportedly planning to boycott President Donald Trump's upcoming State of the Union address in 2026, opting instead to hold a counter-protest rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This significant political demonstration, organised by progressive media company MediasTouch and left-wing advocacy group MoveOn Civic Action, will be branded as the "People's State of the Union."
Counter-Programming Against 'Lies and Misplaced Priorities'
The event is designed as direct counter-programming to what organisers describe as a "night full of lies and misplaced priorities for the American people" during the formal State of the Union speech. According to reports, the rally will feature appearances by multiple Congressional Democrats, with liberal media personalities Joy Reid and Katie Phang serving as hosts.
Lawmakers Taking a Stand
Confirmed attendees include Senators Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, and Chris Murphy, alongside Representatives Yassamin Ansari, Veronica Escobar, and Pramila Jayapal. In a press conference announcing the event, Senator Chris Murphy articulated the rationale behind the boycott, stating, "Donald Trump has made a mockery of the State of the Union speech. Democrats have no obligation to reward him with an audience as he lies and attacks people who disagree with him."
Murphy further emphasised that attending Trump's speech would lend "a veneer of legitimacy on the corruption and lawlessness that has defined his second term." Senator Chris Van Hollen, another planned attendee, echoed these sentiments in a social media post, declaring, "Trump is marching America towards fascism, and I refuse to normalise his shredding of our Constitution and democracy. This cannot be business as usual."
White House Response and Historical Context
The White House responded dismissively to the planned walkout. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Politico, "It's not a surprise that they refuse to celebrate and honour the Americans who have benefited from the commonsense policies Republicans have governed with." This political theatre unfolds against a backdrop of historical State of the Union protests.
During last year's address, some Democrats waved protest paddles with messages like "Save Medicaid," "Musk Steals," and "False." In 2024, then-Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene attended President Joe Biden's final State of the Union wearing a red MAGA hat and a shirt referencing Laken Riley, a nursing student killed by an undocumented migrant. Notably, in 2020, ten Democrats refused to attend Trump's State of the Union, with three others walking out mid-speech.
Address Amid Government Shutdown
President Trump is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address even as a partial government shutdown continues, adding another layer of political tension to the proceedings. The "People's State of the Union" rally represents a coordinated effort by progressive forces to challenge the narrative and legitimacy of the Trump administration's policies directly from the heart of the nation's capital.
