Dozens of Democratic lawmakers plan to boycott President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, opting instead to participate in separate events around Washington, D.C., and their home districts.
The alternative gatherings, organized as counterprogramming, include policy forums, community discussions, and meetings with advocacy groups on issues such as health care, immigration, voting rights, and federal spending.
The exact number of Democrats skipping the address is still fluid but is expected to reach several dozen. Unlike past years, the boycott does not involve protests inside the House chamber; lawmakers are focusing on separate events rather than symbolic demonstrations during the speech. Some Democrats are attending the address, citing respect for the presidency and the constitutional process while planning to voice criticism of the administration through other channels.
Republicans are expected to attend in large numbers. The State of the Union, which outlines the president’s legislative agenda and reviews the past year, will proceed as scheduled at the U.S. Capitol, with Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, senior military leaders, and diplomatic officials in attendance. Coverage is expected across television and digital platforms, while the boycotting Democrats’ alternative events will also receive media attention.