Dems Ditch American Heroes for Adults in Frog Suits at 'State of the Swamp' Event

Some Democratic lawmakers skipped the State of the Union to attend an anti-Trump event with costumed protesters instead of honoring American heroes.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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During President Trump's State of the Union address, several Democratic lawmakers chose to skip the event and instead attend an alternative "State of the Swamp" gathering organized by the anti-Trump group Defiance.org. At the "State of the Swamp" event, lawmakers were seen mingling with protesters wearing inflatable frog costumes, while actors like Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo also made appearances to criticize the president. Meanwhile, the State of the Union featured the honoring of American heroes like a World War II veteran and a National Guardsman who had a miraculous recovery after being shot by a terrorist.

Why it matters

The decision by some Democratic lawmakers to skip the State of the Union in favor of an anti-Trump protest event highlights the growing partisan divide in American politics. It also raises questions about whether elected officials should be prioritizing political theater over recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of ordinary Americans.

The details

At the "State of the Swamp" event, Democratic Rep. Maxine Dexter of Oregon proudly proclaimed that she was "standing in joyful, radical, peaceful resistance with the Portland Frog Brigade." Other lawmakers in attendance included Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, who dismissed President Trump's speech as sounding "like your drunk uncle," and Rep. Daniel Goldman, who greeted the crowd by saying "Hello, my frogs." Meanwhile, at the State of the Union, American heroes like World War II veteran George "Buddy" Taggart and National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, who had a miraculous recovery after being shot by a terrorist, were honored.

  • On Tuesday night, many Democratic politicians decided to skip President Trump's State of the Union address.
  • The "State of the Swamp" event organized by the anti-Trump group Defiance.org took place concurrently with the State of the Union.

The players

Maxine Dexter

A Democratic Representative from Oregon who attended the "State of the Swamp" event and proclaimed she was "standing in joyful, radical, peaceful resistance with the Portland Frog Brigade."

Seth Moulton

A Democratic Representative from Massachusetts who attended the "State of the Swamp" event and dismissed President Trump's speech as sounding "like your drunk uncle."

Daniel Goldman

A Democratic Representative who attended the "State of the Swamp" event and greeted the crowd by saying "Hello, my frogs."

George "Buddy" Taggart

A World War II veteran who was honored during President Trump's State of the Union address.

Andrew Wolfe

A National Guardsman who had a miraculous recovery after being shot by a terrorist on Thanksgiving Eve in Washington DC, and was honored during President Trump's State of the Union address.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight I defy Trump and his authoritarian project by standing in joyful, radical, peaceful resistance with the Portland Frog Brigade.”

— Maxine Dexter, Democratic Representative from Oregon (Reuters)

“They can't erase a movement.”

— Robert Potylo, Protester who goes by "Robby Roadsteamer" (Reuters)

“These are not normal times. And Democrats have to stop behaving normally.”

— Chris Murphy, Democratic Senator from Connecticut (Getty Images for MoveOn)

What’s next

The judge in the case against Robert Potylo will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail for his previous arrests by ICE.

The takeaway

The decision by some Democratic lawmakers to skip the State of the Union in favor of an anti-Trump protest event highlights the growing partisan divide in American politics and raises questions about whether elected officials should be prioritizing political theater over recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of ordinary Americans.