Washington, D.C. – A high-profile group of actors, journalists and political figures are slated to participate in “Drain the Swamp,” a live rebuttal to the upcoming State of the Union address on February 24th. The event, organized by DEFIANCE.org, the Portland Frog Brigade, and COURIER, aims to provide a counter-narrative to President Trump’s speech, focusing on what organizers describe as abuses of power and threats to American democracy.
Among those confirmed to speak are Academy Award-winning actors Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo, alongside Stacey Abrams and CNN’s Jim Acosta. The event promises a “bold and unfiltered” evening, a stark contrast to the typically measured tone of the National Press Club, where it will be held. Organizers are anticipating a significant turnout, with attendees encouraged to wear green attire or frog-themed costumes – a nod to a tactic used previously to mock those critical of protests.
Lineup Includes Former Trump Administration Insiders
The speaker list extends beyond Hollywood and the media, including a number of individuals with direct experience inside the Trump administration. Miles Taylor, a former Department of Homeland Security official, is involved in organizing the event, and Stephanie Grisham, a former White House press secretary, is also expected to attend. Other former officials slated to participate include Olivia Troye and Sue Gordon. This presence of former insiders is intended to provide firsthand accounts and critiques of the administration’s policies and actions.
Representative Jason Crow, who previously urged U.S. Troops to question potentially illegal orders, will also be speaking. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a New York Times bestselling author and scholar of authoritarian movements, will lend her expertise to the discussion. The event will also feature contributions from Joanne Carducci and Lisandra Vazquez, described as new media personalities bringing political satire to a wider audience.
A Broad Coalition of Voices
The event’s organizers have assembled a diverse group of commentators, including journalists Mehdi Hasan, Brian Karem, Charlie Sykes, and Wajahat Ali; legal experts Joyce Vance, Glenn Kirschner, and Norm Eisen; and political figures Ron Wyden, Steve Bullock, Seth Moulton, Dan Goldman, and Joe Walsh. Additional attendees include Marianne Williamson, George Conway, Tom Arnold, and Rashad Robinson. A full list of confirmed speakers can be found on the DEFIANCE.org website.
According to a post on the Facebook page “Fear and Loathing: Closer to the Edge,” the event is “designed to short-circuit indifference,” bringing together individuals who can “pull cameras, pull receipts, [and] pull back the curtain.” The post highlights the symbolic importance of the “Portland frogs,” referencing a previous instance where frog suits were used to ridicule those who labeled protesters as “terrorists.”
Tickets for the in-person event are available for purchase on the DEFIANCE.org website, with prices ranging from $50 for students to $1,000 for VIP access. A livestream of the event will be available for free to the public. Organizers state that 100% of net proceeds will be directed towards efforts to counter what they characterize as Donald Trump’s abuses of power.
Actor Robert De Niro, in a statement released through DEFIANCE.org, emphasized the need for active resistance, stating, “You can’t just sit on your ass and wait for the cruelty and insanity to pass. No. You gotta stand up and fight.”
As the February 24th date approaches, “Drain the Swamp” is shaping up to be a significant counterpoint to the State of the Union address, offering a platform for a wide range of voices critical of the current political climate. The event’s organizers aim to not only critique the administration’s policies but also to inspire action and mobilize opposition.
The event is scheduled to coincide directly with President Trump’s State of the Union address, setting the stage for a potentially impactful evening of political discourse and dissent. Further details regarding specific speakers and event logistics will likely be released in the days leading up to February 24th.
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