Senator Mark Warner Exits Trump's State of the Union Address in Protest Over Alleged Falsehoods
In a dramatic display of dissent, Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, walked out of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday evening. Warner cited his inability to endure what he described as hours of lies from the president, taking to social media to explain his abrupt departure.
Warner's Social Media Statement Highlights Economic Concerns
Shortly before 11 p.m., Warner posted on Bluesky, stating, "Walked out of the State of the Union because I couldn't sit through hours of Trump's lies." He further asserted, "Americans know the truth: he's spiking prices and wrecking our economy. We're a better country than this." This move came as Trump delivered the longest State of the Union speech in history, despite entering with his lowest approval ratings in five years.
Trump's Claims Under Scrutiny Amid Economic Data
During the address, President Trump made several contentious statements that have been challenged by facts. He proclaimed the economy is "roaring like never before," yet economic growth in 2025 was only 2.2%, which is less than any year under former President Joe Biden. Additionally, Trump falsely claimed gas prices are "below $2.30 a gallon in most states," a assertion not supported by current data.
Warner's Pre-Speech Hopes for Clarity on Iran Conflict
Prior to the event, Senator Warner expressed hope that Trump would address the potential for a U.S. war on Iran. He argued it is "incumbent on the president to make the case" for American goals and protection of interests in the region. Warner emphasized, "If we don't hear it tonight, we need to hear it very, very, very soon." However, Trump provided no specific details on the conflict, only confirming that both diplomacy and military force remain options.
Other Democratic Protests and Absences During the Speech
Warner was not alone in his protest. Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, was ejected before Trump even began speaking for holding a sign protesting a racist video Trump posted involving former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Representatives Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan walked out after shouting about fatal shootings by federal immigration agents, with Omar yelling, "You have killed Americans!"
Some Democrats chose to skip the event entirely, while others brought survivors of late child predator Jeffrey Epstein, as Trump has attempted to distance himself from his past association with Epstein.
Warner's Preparedness for the Event
Despite his frustration, Warner seemed prepared for the content of the speech. Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, he posted on Bluesky, "Buckle up for hours of lies tonight from the President." He warned, "Americans know the truth: he's wrecking our economy, spending tens of billions on an out-of-control secret police, and lining his own pockets with grift after grift."
Republicans, as expected, praised Trump and his speech, but Warner's walkout underscores the deep political divisions highlighted during this State of the Union address.
