A striking display of political opposition is unfolding as President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term. Reports indicate a significant number of Democratic lawmakers – approaching forty-five – have announced they will not be present in the chamber tonight.
This isn’t a simple scheduling conflict. Instead, it’s a deliberate act of protest, a visible rejection of the President’s leadership and policies. Many are choosing alternative venues to make their voices heard, signaling a deep rift within the nation’s capital.
Across the city, alternative events are taking shape. The “People’s State of the Union” rally on the National Mall, organized by prominent groups, is drawing a substantial number of dissenting members. Another gathering, dubbed “State of the Swamp,” is planned at the National Press Club, offering a different platform for critique.
Beyond these organized events, some lawmakers cite a desire to connect directly with their constituents or simply to avoid the address altogether. Senator Ed Markey, for example, will be at the “People’s State of the Union” rally, while others plan to watch remotely or spend the evening focused on local concerns.
The scale of the boycott is noteworthy. While similar absences occurred during Trump’s first term, the current number appears to be significantly higher, reflecting a heightened level of resistance. The list of absentees includes prominent figures like Adam Schiff and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both attending the rally on the National Mall.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called for a strategy of “silent defiance” from those who do attend, suggesting a subtle but powerful form of protest within the chamber itself. This coordinated response underscores the unified nature of the opposition.
The President is scheduled to address the nation at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. However, the empty seats will undoubtedly serve as a stark visual reminder of the deep divisions that continue to shape American politics.
This mass absence isn’t merely about missing a speech; it’s a statement. It’s a demonstration of principle, a refusal to lend legitimacy to a presidency many fundamentally oppose, and a clear signal of the battles to come.
