During President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address on Tuesday, partisan tensions were on full display as Democrats protested, boycotted, and made symbolic stands against the Republican agenda.
Trump delivered one of the longest speeches in modern history, focusing heavily on the economy and his policy achievements, but was met with sharp Democratic resistance both inside and outside the chamber.
Roughly half of Democratic lawmakers chose not to attend the address, signaling a notable boycott that underscored deep divisions in Congress ahead of the midterm elections.
Those who did skip the speech often joined or supported counter-programming events, including a “People’s State of the Union” rally on the National Mall intended to amplify critiques of Trump’s policies.
Among the confrontations during the speech itself, Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was escorted out of the chamber after displaying a protest sign, highlighting ongoing outrage over past rhetoric from the president. There were reports of walkouts and visible dissent from other Democrats as well, even as Republicans applauded Trump’s remarks.
Earlier in the week, some Democrats, including Rep. Gabe Amo, publicly announced they would not attend the address as part of their protest strategy, reflecting strategic debate within the party over how to engage with the high-profile event.
Bottom Line: The 2026 State of the Union became a focal point of partisan conflict, with Democratic lawmakers using absence, protest symbolism, and alternate events to challenge Trump’s messaging, signaling sharply polarized politics less than a year before crucial midterm elections.
