Dem lawmakers plan unprecedented 'break with tradition' in response to major Trump address

[turbinetree]

By Alexander Willis
Published February 18, 2026 9:28 AM ET

Last year, President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address since retaking the White House was met with vocal opposition from Democratic lawmakers, but next week on Tuesday, Democrats have a new plan to push back against the president with an unprecedented “break with tradition,” The New York Times reported Wednesday.

Last March, Democratic lawmakers were seen sporting signs with labels like “False” and “Save Medicaid” to protest Trump’s first State of the Union since retaking office, and Rep. Al Green (D-TX) was ejected from the chamber after interrupting the president’s address.

This year, however, Democrats plan to take a new approach: a “substantial number” of Democratic lawmakers plan to skip the event entirely and host an alternative event, a “People’s State of the Union,” the Times reported.

https://www.rawstory.com/state-of-the-union-2675280304/

I wonder if Shumer and Jeffries and the team are going to be there.............so that would be 261 not being in the room...............that will send a message for CBS...........will they only pan the fascist supporting side to make it look like a lot traitor supporters are there..............just asking.......

[themaguffin]

1. They simply need an alternative with a LOT of energy, passion from its speaker & concise, simple points.

that means they need members present as an audience (or better yet an audience of regular people) to cheer etc.

[Ferrets are Cool]

3. NO Shumer

[leftstreet]

6. It's an address, not a pep rally

Just use the rebuttal time. Strong message, and someone who can give a good speech

No one else needs to be there

[themaguffin]

10. Oh, but it is. Why you do think that the rebuttals ALWAYS fall flat? Because they are flat & lifeless.

If all we want is monotone words, we can have people read a speech directly. This should be a media presentation.

Yes, people need to be there.

[leftstreet]

11. Maybe get Bad Bunny n/t

[themaguffin]

12. Is he in Congress?

[leftstreet]

13. Not yet

[themaguffin]

14. ...then why bring him up?

[Greybnk48]

2. I hope this is true. Trump should not be legitimized or treated with respect.

He's a lawless, cruel, crude slob that has insulted people and nations world-wide. The world needs to see that at least some American politicians will not play along with the naked emperor.

[Easterncedar]

4. Last year's display was embarrassingly weak

I hope they step it up this time.

[Scrivener7]

5. I LOVE IT!!!! I was hoping they'd do this!!! I can't wait to see it. Well done!!

And AGAIN Chris Murphy in the mix of it. That guy gets it.

[dalton99a]

7. Why sit there like obedient captives and listen to lies and insults?

Democrats should boycott all Trump events

[malaise]

8. This - great

This year, however, Democrats plan to take a new approach: a “substantial number” of Democratic lawmakers plan to skip the event entirely and host an alternative event, a “People’s State of the Union,” the Times reported.

———-
I will watch a People’s SOU

[milestogo]

9. Alternatively, they could throw their shoes at him.

[Cha]

15. This Makes Excleent Sense... Good On our Dems!

TY!

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

16. At least 12 Democratic lawmakers plan to boycott Trump's State of the Union address

At least a dozen Democratic members of Congress plan to boycott President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address at the Capitol on Tuesday and are scheduled to attend a rally on the National Mall, instead.

The progressive groups MoveOn and MeidasTouch announced Wednesday that they're hosting the “People’s State of the Union” rally at 8:30 p.m. ET near the Capitol. The event is billed as "counterprogramming" to "President Trump’s night full of lies and misplaced priorities for the American people." The groups said, "Democratic lawmakers will be joined on stage by the everyday Americans most impacted by Trump’s dangerous agenda."

The lawmakers planning to skip the speech and attend the rally, according to the organizers, are Sens. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Tina Smith of Minnesota and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, as well as Reps. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, Becca Balint of Vermont, Greg Casar of Texas, Veronica Escobar of Texas, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Delia Ramirez of Illinois, and Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey.

“Next week, Trump will deliver his State of the Union address. I won’t be there," Van Hollen wrote Wednesday on X. "Trump is marching America towards fascism, and I refuse to normalize his shredding of our Constitution & democracy. This cannot be business as usual.”

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/least-12-democratic-lawmakers-plan-163742910.html

[gulliver]

17. Trump will ridicule the the no-shows by name

I hope the story isn't true. As you note, not having non-applauding Dems in the crowd will make it look like Trump has universal support.

Last year's paddle signs were a huge self-own.