Democrats Strategize Silent Defiance and Boycotts Ahead of Trump's State of the Union
On Tuesday night, Democrats in Congress are preparing to navigate a delicate political challenge: expressing their constituents' deep-seated frustration with President Donald Trump and his administration's policies during the annual State of the Union address. This task, often seen as mundane yet crucial, has historically proven difficult for members of both parties, with past efforts in 2025 facing skepticism or outright resistance. For instance, Representative Al Green of Texas garnered liberal praise but was removed from the chamber for loudly protesting with his cane, while progressive lawmakers were criticized for distributing circular signs with anti-Trump messages. In contrast, Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico made headlines by solemnly displaying a handwritten sign reading, "This is NOT Normal."
Low-Key Protests and Strategic Absences
This year, Democratic leaders are advocating for a more subdued approach, encouraging members to either skip the address entirely or maintain low-key protests. Most lawmakers appear to be heeding this advice, with a significant rally planned outside the U.S. Capitol. Inside the chamber, the most prevalent form of protest involves inviting guests from two specific categories: survivors of the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, who had ties to Trump, or victims of violent actions by federal immigration enforcement officials. The objective is to keep public attention focused on the reasons behind Trump's near-record low approval ratings, rather than sparking debates over Democratic behavior.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York emphasized this strategy, stating, "The two options that are in front of us in our House are to either attend with silent defiance, or to not attend and send a message to Donald Trump in that fashion."
Highlighting Epstein Survivors and Immigration Abuses
Several Epstein survivors will be in attendance, underscoring ongoing demands for transparency. Despite Congress passing a law last year requiring the release of all files related to Epstein, the Justice Department has delayed disclosure. Trump initially promised on the campaign trail to release these files but reversed course after taking office. In the limited documents released so far, Trump's name appears more frequently than any other individual's.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York announced he is bringing Dani Bensky, a New Yorker and Epstein survivor, as his guest. Schumer remarked, "Dani has turned unimaginable pain into unrelenting advocacy, calling on President Trump to release every file and follow the law. Trump's DOJ is stonewalling: slow-walking disclosures, blacking out page after page. That's not transparency. It's a cover-up. Period. The powerful don't deserve protection. Survivors deserve justice."
Other Democrats hosting Epstein survivors or their family members include Representatives Jamie Raskin of Maryland, Robert Garcia of California, Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia, James Walkinshaw of Virginia, Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Maxine Dexter of Oregon, and Jeffries.
Focus on Immigration Enforcement Victims
Lawmakers are also bringing constituents who have experienced violent detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, whose district has faced trauma due to increased immigration enforcement, will host four individuals assaulted by ICE or fighting to protect immigrant families. One guest, Aliya Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American with autism, was dragged from her car by federal agents on January 13, resulting in hospitalization for assault after alleged medical neglect in detention.
Representative Mark Takano of California is bringing George Retes, a 26-year-old Iraq War veteran and U.S. citizen, who was pepper-sprayed and detained without charges by ICE agents. Takano stated, "George Retes is a U.S. citizen and an Iraq War veteran, and yet he was treated like an enemy by his own government. His story exemplifies the overreach and cruelty of the Trump Administration... I am honored to have George as my guest at the State of the Union. His presence will speak volumes."
Boycotts and Alternative Events
More than two dozen Democrats are boycotting Trump's speech entirely, participating instead in a "People's State of the Union" rally on the National Mall. Organized by progressive groups MoveOn Civic Action and MeidasTouch, this event aims to counter what they describe as Trump's "lies and misplaced priorities," featuring conversations with individuals harmed by his policies. Senators Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Tina Smith of Minnesota, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Representatives Becca Balint of Vermont, Greg Casar of Texas, and Jayapal are among those attending the rally.
Van Hollen explained his boycott, saying, "I will not normalize Donald Trump's march toward fascism by attending his state of the union address."
In a unique twist, some Democrats are sending guests to the State of Union in their absence to make a statement. Jayapal, for example, is hosting Marijke Chartouni, an Epstein survivor, noting, "While I will not be attending this year's State of the Union, I am glad to be hosting Marijke to ensure that survivors of Epstein's horrific abuse are in the room. This moment should serve as a reminder to elected officials at all levels of government that the fight for truth will not end until the perpetrators and enablers of these crimes are held accountable."
Similarly, Representative Maxine Dexter of Oregon is sending Lisa Phillips, an Epstein survivor, in her place, asserting, "I'm inviting Lisa Phillips, one of the many brave women who survived Epstein's abuse, to attend the State of the Union on my behalf. Her presence will send a clear message: Epstein survivors will not be silenced. The powerful will not be protected. Our government will be accountable to the people it serves."
