WASHINGTON D.C. (Feb 25, 2026) — In a sharp break from tradition, approximately 30 Democratic lawmakers skipped President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, branding the event a "mockery of the institution."

The Resistance Events

• The "People's State of the Union": Led by Senator Chris Murphy on the National Mall, this counter-event featured speakers impacted by administration policies, including families separated by deportations and researchers affected by federal budget cuts.
• "State of the Swamp": A second protest event hosted by celebrities and politicians criticized the administration's record on democracy and ethics.
• The Message: Senator Murphy told supporters that Trump "does not deserve an audience," emphasizing that the boycott was a stand against the normalization of the President's leadership style.

Key Points of Protest

Protesters and absent lawmakers highlighted several core grievances:

• Immigration: Opposition to increased funding for ICE and recent deportation surges.
• Health & Science: Protests against layoffs of public health researchers.
• Accountability: Calls for transparency regarding the administration's handling of high-profile judicial and criminal justice files.