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Gary Today
By the People, for the People
Travel Delays Could Shrink State of Union Audience
Congressman struggles to get to Washington for address as weather and boycotts impact attendance.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan is having trouble getting a flight to Washington, D.C. to attend President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday due to an East Coast blizzard that has slowed flights and Amtrak trains. Mrvan said he's not sure his invited guests will make it either, and other members of Congress are also struggling with travel arrangements from their home districts. In addition to weather issues, several Democrats are boycotting the speech due to disagreements with Trump's policies. Trump's approval rating has been hovering between 36-39% in recent polls.
Why it matters
The State of the Union address is a major political event, and a smaller than usual audience could impact the optics and messaging around the speech. The travel issues and boycotts highlight the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats.
The details
Mrvan said he's having trouble getting a flight to Washington because an East Coast blizzard has slowed flights and Amtrak trains. He's not sure if his invited guests will make it either, and other members of Congress are also struggling with travel. Several Democrats are boycotting the speech due to disagreements with Trump's policies. Trump's approval rating has been low, hovering between 36-39% in recent polls.
- The State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
The players
Frank Mrvan
U.S. Representative who is having trouble getting to Washington, D.C. for the State of the Union address.
Donald Trump
The President of the United States who is delivering the State of the Union address.
What’s next
It remains to be seen how the travel issues and boycotts will impact the attendance and viewership of the State of the Union address.
The takeaway
The State of the Union address is facing logistical challenges and political divisions that could lead to a smaller than usual audience, underscoring the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and congressional Democrats.
