Democrats DITCH Trump’s SOTU for Radical Rally

Democrats are ditching President Trump’s State of the Union address for a taxpayer-funded clown show on the National Mall, proving once again their disdain for unity and real governance.

Story Snapshot

At least a dozen Democratic lawmakers skip Trump’s SOTU to host “People’s State of the Union” rally with radical left hosts Joy Reid and Katie Phang.
Event organized by progressive MeidasTouch and MoveOn Civic Action frames Trump’s speech as “lies and misplaced priorities.”
White House dismisses boycott as refusal to celebrate Republican policy wins amid partial government shutdown.
Senators like Chris Murphy and Chris Van Hollen lead with inflammatory claims of Trump “shredding the Constitution.”
Follows pattern of Democratic SOTU disruptions, contrasting GOP restraint under Biden.

Democrats Plan Counter-Rally Amid Shutdown

At least a dozen Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, Chris Murphy, and Chris Van Hollen, along with Representatives Yassamin Ansari, Veronica Escobar, and Pramila Jayapal, announced plans to boycott President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address of his second term. They will instead hold a counter-event titled “People’s State of the Union” on the National Mall. The rally coincides exactly with Trump’s speech next week, hosted by progressive media company MeidasTouch and left-wing group MoveOn Civic Action. Liberal hosts Joy Reid and Katie Phang will feature prominently, amplifying claims that Trump’s address represents a “night full of lies and misplaced priorities.”

Senators Fuel Division with Extreme Rhetoric

Senator Chris Murphy stated Democrats have “no obligation to reward him with an audience as he lies,” accusing Trump of making a mockery of the SOTU tradition. Senator Chris Van Hollen declared he refuses “to normalize his shredding of our Constitution & democracy,” echoing baseless charges of fascism and corruption. These statements position the boycott as principled resistance, yet they reject bipartisan norms during a partial government shutdown. The White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded that Democrats simply refuse to celebrate commonsense Republican policies driving America’s successes.

Historical Pattern of Leftist Disruptions

This boycott builds on Democratic precedents like the 2020 SOTU where 10 lawmakers skipped Trump’s address and three walked out. Last year, Democrats waved protest paddles with messages such as “Save Medicaid,” “Musk Steals,” and “False” during the speech. In contrast, during Biden’s final address, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene wore a MAGA hat and “Say Her Name” shirt to highlight migrant-related crime, showing GOP focus on issues without full-scale counterprogramming. Democrats now escalate to an outdoor rally, drawing attention from Trump’s policy platform.

The National Mall event provides a symbolic stage for progressives to push their narrative against Trump’s second-term agenda. Organizers aim to offer alternative priorities, but the timing undermines congressional unity. White House officials note the address proceeds undeterred, emphasizing policy achievements over partisan theatrics. This move risks portraying Democrats as petty amid ongoing shutdown tensions.

Democrats' State of the Union 'Counterprogramming' Promises to Be a Clown Showhttps://t.co/G2F9jNmhqi

— RedState Updates (@RedStateUpdates) February 21, 2026

Implications for Polarized Congress

Short-term, the rally amplifies partisan divides, potentially diverting media focus from Trump’s priorities and energizing the progressive base. Long-term, it normalizes SOTU boycotts as opposition tactics, deepening gridlock in Trump’s second term. Affected parties include the Trump administration facing a symbolic snub and the public witnessing heightened rhetoric over policy substance. Socially, it fuels crisis narratives against real wins like border security and economic recovery. Progressive media like MeidasTouch gains visibility, while government operations continue unaffected.