WASHINGTON, D.C. February 24, 2026 – U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) sharply criticized Republican lawmakers Tuesday for labeling the absence of dozens of Democrats from President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address as “shameful.”
In a post on X, Jayapal wrote:
“Republicans think it’s ‘shameful’ that some Democrats are not going to Trump’s State of the Union tonight. His lies are what’s actually shameful.”
The Congresswoman, a leading progressive voice and former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is among at least a dozen Democratic lawmakers skipping the traditional joint session of Congress. Instead, she and others are participating in the “People’s State of the Union,” a counter-rally on the National Mall organized by groups including MoveOn Civic Action.
Democrats have cited opposition to Trump administration policies on immigration, healthcare costs, and tax breaks for billionaires as reasons for their boycott. Many plan to highlight “dignity, justice, and democracy” at the alternative event, which features everyday Americans affected by current policies.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) reportedly told caucus members they could attend in “silent defiance” or skip the speech entirely. Several senators, including Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), are also joining the counter-programming.
Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have condemned the absences, calling them disrespectful to the presidency and the American people. The traditional State of the Union address is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Jayapal’s remarks reflect deep partisan divides early in Trump’s second term. The boycott marks a shift from previous years, when some Democrats used protest signs inside the chamber; this time, many are opting for external counter-events.
The full list of skipping Democrats includes Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), and others.
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