Democrats Offer Varied Responses to Trump's 2026 State of the Union

Lawmakers protest Trump's remarks, attend alternative events, and fact-check his claims

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In a move that reflected the party's divisions, Democrats offered a range of responses to President Donald Trump's Feb. 24 State of the Union address. Some lawmakers protested Trump's remarks, while others attended alternative events organized by liberal groups. PolitiFact fact-checked some of the Democrats' statements, finding that their claims about the impact of Trump's policies on health care and tariffs were largely accurate.

Why it matters

The Democrats' varied responses to Trump's State of the Union address highlight the ongoing political tensions and divisions within the party. Their actions and statements also shed light on the real-world impacts of Trump's policies, particularly in the areas of health care and trade.

The details

During the address, Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was escorted from the chambers after holding up a sign that said, "Black people aren't apes," referencing a video Trump recently posted on Truth Social depicting President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., also shouted at Trump, accusing him of killing Americans, referring to the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens in her state by federal immigration agents. Several other lawmakers wore pins that read "release the files" in reference to documents related to the late sex-offender Jeffery Epstein.

  • On Feb. 24, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address.
  • In September 2025, two months after Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, Virginia health care company Augusta Medical Group announced it was closing three rural clinics.
  • On January 1, 2026, enhanced tax credits that helped reduce health care costs for most people purchasing insurance through Affordable Care Act marketplaces expired.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The governor of Virginia who delivered the Democratic Party's official response to Trump's State of the Union address.

Al Green

A Democratic representative from Texas who was escorted from the chambers after holding up a sign that said, "Black people aren't apes," referencing a video Trump posted on Truth Social.

Ilhan Omar

A Democratic representative from Minnesota who shouted at Trump, accusing him of killing Americans, referring to the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens in her state by federal immigration agents.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.