Maine Senators Angus King and Susan Collins Split on Attending Trump's State of the Union

King cites lack of respect for Constitution, while Collins plans to attend the annual speech

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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U.S. Sen. Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, announced he will not attend President Donald Trump's upcoming State of the Union address, citing Trump's lack of respect for the Constitution and American institutions. However, Maine's other senator, Republican Susan Collins, plans to attend the speech. U.S. Reps. Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree, both Democrats, have also said they will not attend.

Why it matters

The decision by King, a prominent independent voice, to skip the State of the Union highlights the continued partisan divide in Washington, D.C. and Maine's congressional delegation. It also reflects the ongoing tensions between Trump and members of Congress who have been critical of his actions and rhetoric.

The details

In a statement, King said he 'cannot in good conscience' participate in an event centered around Trump, citing the president's 'tremendous harm to the American people, to our standing among nations and to our institutions of government.' Meanwhile, Collins, the lone Republican in Maine's congressional delegation, will attend the speech. Golden, who is not seeking re-election, said he plans to watch the address from home, while Pingree will join a counter-rally hosted by progressive groups.

  • President Trump will deliver the State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Angus King

U.S. Senator from Maine, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

Susan Collins

U.S. Senator from Maine, a Republican.

Jared Golden

U.S. Representative from Maine's 2nd Congressional District, a Democrat who is not seeking re-election.

Chellie Pingree

U.S. Representative from Maine's 1st Congressional District, a Democrat.

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What they’re saying

“His actions have done tremendous harm to the American people, to our standing among nations and to our institutions of government. For this reason, I cannot in good conscience participate in a function with this President at its center. To do so would require me to ignore all that has gone before and to pay him a measure of respect which he has not earned.”

— Angus King, U.S. Senator (pressherald.com)

“It's not a surprise that they refuse to celebrate and honor the Americans who have benefited from the commonsense policies Republicans have governed with.”

— Abigail Jackson, White House spokesperson (pressherald.com)

What’s next

The State of the Union address will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026. It remains to be seen if other members of Congress will join King and the Democratic representatives in boycotting the event.

The takeaway

The decision by King, a prominent independent voice, to skip the State of the Union reflects the ongoing partisan divisions in Washington and Maine's congressional delegation. While Collins plans to attend, King and the Democratic representatives are making a statement by refusing to participate in an event centered around a president they believe has done 'tremendous harm' to the country.