Maryland Democrats Boycott Trump's State of the Union Address

Several members of the state's congressional delegation will skip the event over objections to the president.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Several members of the Maryland congressional delegation, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Reps. April McClain Delaney and Kweisi Mfume, are boycotting President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night. They will instead attend an alternative "People's State of the Union" rally on the National Mall. Other Maryland representatives, including Rep. Johnny Olszewski and Rep. Sarah Elfreth, plan to attend the official State of the Union address.

Why it matters

The boycott by Maryland Democrats reflects the ongoing partisan divide and tensions between the party and the Trump administration. It also highlights how the State of the Union has become a political stage for lawmakers to make statements about their opposition to the president's policies and agenda.

The details

Sen. Chris Van Hollen will speak at the "People's State of the Union" rally, while Reps. April McClain Delaney and Kweisi Mfume have said they will skip the official address due to their objections to Trump. Rep. Johnny Olszewski will attend the State of the Union with a constituent whose health care premiums have increased, while Rep. Sarah Elfreth will attend with the Maryland House Speaker.

  • The State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday night.
  • The "People's State of the Union" rally will take place at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

The players

Chris Van Hollen

A Democratic senator from Maryland who will speak at the "People's State of the Union" rally instead of attending the official address.

April McClain Delaney

A Democratic representative from Maryland who is boycotting the State of the Union address over objections to President Trump.

Kweisi Mfume

A Democratic representative from Maryland who is also boycotting the State of the Union address over objections to President Trump.

Johnny Olszewski

A Democratic representative from Maryland who will attend the State of the Union address with a constituent whose health care premiums have increased.

Sarah Elfreth

A Democratic representative from Maryland who will attend the State of the Union address with the Maryland House Speaker.

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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)

The takeaway

The boycott by Maryland Democrats highlights the ongoing partisan divide and tensions between the party and the Trump administration, as well as the political nature of the State of the Union address.