Democrats boycott Trump's SOTU, hold 'People's State of the Union' rally

Rep. Maxwell Frost and dozens of other Democrats skip Trump's address to attend counter-event on the National Mall

Feb. 24, 2026 at 9:09pm

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Dozens of Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida, are boycotting President Trump's State of the Union address tonight and instead attending the "People's State of the Union" rally on the National Mall. The counter-event, hosted by progressive groups like MoveOn.org, will feature lawmakers, Epstein survivors, families impacted by ICE, and others affected by the Trump administration's policies.

Why it matters

The boycott of Trump's SOTU by Democratic lawmakers highlights the deep partisan divide in the country, as well as growing concerns among progressives about the administration's agenda. The alternative rally provides a platform for those impacted by Trump's policies to voice their opposition.

The details

About 50 Democrats in the House and Senate are skipping Trump's State of the Union address, with some appearing at counterprogramming events like the People's State of the Union and the 'State of the Swamp' event. The People's State of the Union rally is being held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and will be hosted by former MSNBC anchors Joy Reid and Katie Phang. Lawmakers attending the counter-event include Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Rep. Maxwell Frost, and several other Democratic representatives.

  • The People's State of the Union starts at 8:30 p.m. ET tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
  • Trump's State of the Union is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET.

The players

Rep. Maxwell Frost

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Florida's 10th congressional district who is boycotting Trump's SOTU address to attend the People's State of the Union rally.

MoveOn.org

A liberal advocacy group that is hosting and co-organizing the People's State of the Union event as counter-programming to Trump's address.

Indivisible

A progressive grassroots organization that is co-hosting the People's State of the Union rally.

Defiance.com

An anti-Trump group that is organizing the 'State of the Swamp' event, another counter-SOTU event featuring actor Robert DeNiro.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Maryland who is attending the People's State of the Union event instead of Trump's address.

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What’s next

The judge in the case against Walker Reed Quinn, the man accused of vandalizing Waymo vehicles, will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The boycott of Trump's State of the Union by dozens of Democratic lawmakers, and their attendance at alternative events like the People's State of the Union, underscores the deep partisan divisions in the country and the growing opposition to the administration's policies among progressives.