U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is among a group of Democratic lawmakers planning to boycott President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address.
The plan to boycott the address reflects deep divisions within the party over how to respond to the president’s second term.
Ocasio-Cortez, along with several other Democrats, has opted to skip the annual address altogether, choosing instead to participate in alternative protest events designed to spotlight opposition to Trump’s policies.
A Growing Boycott Movement
According to reports, at least a dozen Democratic lawmakers are expected to avoid the speech, marking a shift from last year’s more visible protests inside the chamber. The State of the Union traditionally provides an opportunity for the minority party to challenge a president’s agenda publicly, but many Democrats say they no longer view attendance as effective.
Some lawmakers argue that attending the address risks legitimizing what they describe as controversial policies and actions during Trump’s second term.
Alternative Events Planned
Instead of attending, several Democrats — including Ocasio-Cortez — plan to participate in counter-programming events such as the “People’s State of the Union,” a rally on the National Mall organized by progressive advocacy groups.
The event is expected to feature stories from individuals impacted by federal policies, including laid-off workers and immigrants. It will also be livestreamed to supporters nationwide.
Another smaller counter-event, called the “State of the Swamp,” is also planned at the National Press Club, where activists, public figures, and some lawmakers are expected to gather.
Democrats Divided on Approach
Not all Democrats are boycotting. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said members of his caucus are free to either attend the speech in “silent defiance” or join alternative programming. He confirmed he plans to attend, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a presence.
The mixed responses highlight broader strategic disagreements within the party over whether public protest or direct engagement is the most effective way to counter Trump’s agenda.
Political Context
Republicans, meanwhile, see the address as an opportunity to shift attention toward economic messaging and away from recent controversies ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
With political tensions high, the 2026 State of the Union is shaping up not only as a policy speech but also as a symbolic battleground for competing political narratives.
