Anti-Trump Protesters Disrupt State of the Union with Unconventional Counter-Events

Activists and celebrities gather at 'State of the Swamp' event, featuring costumes, profanity, and references to Epstein scandal

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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As President Trump delivered the State of the Union address, Democrats and anti-Trump activists organized a series of unconventional counter-events, including the 'State of the Swamp' gathering at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event featured a carnival-like atmosphere with attendees in inflatable frog suits, a man dressed as a twerking giraffe, and reports of dildos being thrown at a livestream of the President's speech. Prominent figures from the 'Resistance' movement, including celebrities, politicians, and activists, attended the event, which organizers said was meant to combat absurdity with 'more absurdity.'

Why it matters

The shift away from traditional responses to the State of the Union address reflects a broader trend of fragmentation and coarsening of political discourse in the U.S. Where opposition parties once maintained a degree of decorum, the lines have blurred, with even events like the Super Bowl halftime show inspiring counter-programming. The 'State of the Swamp' event highlights the growing divide and lack of civility in American politics, as opponents of the President seek increasingly unconventional ways to challenge his message and agenda.

The details

The 'State of the Swamp' event, organized by Defiance.org and hosted by former Homeland Security chief of staff Miles Taylor, drew a diverse crowd of figures from the 'Resistance' movement, including actors Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo, conservative lawyer George Conway, former Trump national-security official Olivia Troye, voting-rights activist Stacey Abrams, and former CNN anchor Jim Acosta. Several members of Congress also chose to forgo their seats in the House chamber to join the counter-programming. Speakers at the event laced their remarks with profanity and references to Trump's alleged involvement in the Epstein scandal, while a video montage featuring civil rights leaders played in the background. A woman pretending to be the White House press secretary held a mock press conference, complete with 'Fake News' buttons and a fake baby bump.

  • The State of the Union address took place on February 26, 2026.

The players

Miles Taylor

Former Homeland Security chief of staff and a prominent Trump critic, who hosted the 'State of the Swamp' event.

Robert De Niro

American actor who attended the 'State of the Swamp' event and expressed deep disillusionment with the country under Trump's presidency.

LaMonica McIver

U.S. Representative who faced charges stemming from an alleged assault of federal law-enforcement officers outside an immigration detention facility, and chose to attend the 'State of the Swamp' event rather than remain in the House chamber.

Brandon Johnson

Mayor of Chicago who argued that Democrats needed to 'use every single tool that's available' to oppose Trump, whom he labeled a 'tyrant.'

Rob Potylo

Comedian and activist known as Robby Roadmaster, who explained that the goal of the 'State of the Swamp' event was to combat absurdity with 'more absurdity.'

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What they’re saying

“We can't operate like this is the norm, because everything that this president is doing is not normal.”

— LaMonica McIver, U.S. Representative (newsdirectory3.com)

“I don't want to be part of this, but I don't see any other way. I can't sit by and watch what's happening in this country. I have to say something.”

— Robert De Niro (newsdirectory3.com)

“It's crazy. It's fucking lunacy.”

— Robert De Niro (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The event organizers have stated that they plan to continue hosting similar counter-programming events to challenge the President's agenda and message, with a focus on 'pro-democracy efforts' including peaceful protests and legal-defense funds.

The takeaway

The 'State of the Swamp' event and other counter-programming efforts by Democrats and anti-Trump activists highlight the growing divide and lack of civility in American politics, as opponents of the President seek increasingly unconventional ways to challenge his message and agenda. This shift away from traditional responses reflects a broader trend of fragmentation and coarsening of political discourse in the U.S.