At least twelve Democratic lawmakers have announced they will boycott Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Thursday, February 26, 2026, citing concerns over his rhetoric and policies. The planned boycott, first reported by NBC News, represents a visible demonstration of opposition within Congress as Trump prepares to deliver his annual address.
The decision to abstain from the speech is a response to what Democrats perceive as dangerous and divisive language employed by the former president, including recent calls that have been interpreted as inciting violence against his political opponents. Congresswoman Julia Brownley, in a statement released Monday, condemned Trump’s “dangerous calls for violence against Democratic Members of Congress.”
Beyond the boycott, Democrats are organizing a rally as a counter-programming event to Trump’s address, according to reporting from The Modern York Times. Details of the rally, including location and speakers, have not been fully disclosed, but organizers intend it to serve as a platform to articulate an alternative vision to the policies expected to be outlined in the State of the Union.
The escalating tensions between Democrats and Trump come as Congress grapples with a range of pressing issues. The Campaign Legal Center recently highlighted key priorities for members of Congress, including campaign finance reform and voting rights legislation, issues that stand in stark contrast to Trump’s policy agenda.
The boycott and planned rally are the latest in a series of confrontations between Democrats and the Trump administration. The move echoes past instances of congressional dissent, raising questions about the potential for further polarization and gridlock in the coming year.
As of Monday afternoon, neither the White House nor Republican leadership had issued a formal response to the announced boycott. The State of the Union address is scheduled to proceed as planned on Thursday evening, with a joint session of Congress convened to hear the president’s remarks.
