Sanders Skips State of the Union, Calls Trump a 'Pathological Liar'

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Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was among lawmakers who did not attend Tuesday's State of the Union address, instead taking to social media to condemn the president's major talking points. Sanders disputed the president's claims on lowering health care costs and increasing election security, calling Trump a 'pathological liar.' Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint also skipped the speech.

Why it matters

Sanders' decision to skip the State of the Union and his strong criticism of the president's remarks highlight the ongoing partisan divide in Washington and the senator's continued role as a leading progressive voice in opposition to the administration's policies and rhetoric.

The details

In a series of tweets, Sanders said 'In America today, we have one of the highest rates of childhood poverty of almost any major country on earth,' disputing Trump's claims about the strength of the economy. Sanders also accused the president of being a 'pathological liar' in regards to his statements on lowering health care costs and increasing election security.

• The State of the Union address took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

What they’re saying