Dozens of Democratic lawmakers have announced they will not attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, marking a noteworthy moment in the ongoing political divide in the country. Reports indicate that as many as 45 members of Congress are confirmed to be absent from the address, a significant number impacting the dynamic within the chamber.
This State of the Union holds particular importance as it is Trump’s first in his second term, following his recent election victory in 2024. As lawmakers choose to skip this key event, the decision appears motivated by a desire to express discontent with Trump’s presidency. Many of those absent are opting to participate in alternative gatherings, such as the “People’s State of the Union” rally organized by groups like MoveOn and MeidasTouch. Others plan to watch the speech remotely or spend time with their constituents.
During this time, CBS Justice Correspondent Scott MacFarlane noted on social media that the confirmed absences continued to grow, reaching over 40. This highlights a trend not just of disagreement, but a broader strategy to delegitimize Trump’s presidency in the eyes of their supporters.
Among the senators skipping the address are Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, Chris Murphy, and several others, all of whom will attend the rally on the National Mall. House Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ami Bera are also boycotting, with Ocasio-Cortez stating her intent to not “normalize” Trump’s conduct while Bera expresses concerns about Trump’s “trolling” and “corruption.”
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has urged those who do attend to respond with what he termed “silent defiance,” perhaps signaling both a strategy of passive protest and an acknowledgment of the charged atmosphere surrounding the event.
Such absences are not unprecedented, echoing similar boycotts during Trump’s first term. However, the current tally of 45 absences stands out, illustrating a growing rift within the political landscape. This absence strategy serves as a means to vocalize disapproval without direct confrontation, further solidifying the divide between parties as the 2024 political climate remains tumultuous.
The implications of these absences may stretch beyond just this speech. For Democrats, it is a statement of unity against a president they view as problematic. For Trump, it may reinforce claims of division and opposition threats. With the State of the Union scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on the chamber, watching not just the president’s words but the marked absence of many who represent a substantial segment of the American populace.
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