Who Skipped Trump's State Of The Union Address: Here's Full List Of Those Who Boycotted The Event And Why

President Donald Trump recently returned to the House Chamber to deliver his State of the Union Address, but the room was noticeably missing several high-profile figures.

While many lawmakers attended to hear the administration's goals for the year, a significant group of critics chose to stay away in a coordinated show of protest. This absence highlights the deep political divisions currently defining the nation's capital.

As Donald Trump prepared to give his State of the Union Address on Tuesday, 24 February, over 80 Democrats from the House and Senate have already decided to skip the event. Roughly 30 of these lawmakers intend to go to the 'People's State of the Union' instead.

This alternative gathering is organised by groups such as MoveOn Civic Action and MeidasTouch, along with various local community leaders. Several prominent Democrats will be at this rally, including Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego.

Leadership and Strategy

The Democrats' move to boycott follows a week of statements from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, who argued that his party must find ways to challenge President Trump.

Jeffries outlined two paths for his colleagues during a press conference last week. He explained that House members could either show up and maintain a 'silent defiance' or stay away entirely to send a clear message. He added that those skipping the event would instead take part in various 'alternate programming' scheduled throughout the Capitol area.

Who is Skipping the State of the Union?

A USA TODAY tally shows that more than 80 Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate have said they will not attend the State of the Union this Tuesday.

According to reports from The Boston Globe, Representative Mike Thompson of California is skipping the event because he is serving as the designated survivor for the Democrats. Additionally, New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan will be absent to attend to a family medical matter.

List of Lawmakers Boycotting the Address

Senate Members

• Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)
• Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA)
• Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
• Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT)
• Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN)
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
• Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)
• Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
• Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
• Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
• Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
• Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM)
• Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)
• Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
• Sen. Angus King (I-ME)
• Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)
• Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA)
• Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
• Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT)
• Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN)
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
• Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)
• Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
• Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
• Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
• Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
• Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM)
• Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)
• Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
• Sen. Angus King (I-ME)

House Members

• Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT)
• Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL)
• Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL)
• Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA)
• Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
• Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL)
• Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY)
• Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
• Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME)
• Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD)
• Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA)
• Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA)
• Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)
• Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
• Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS)
• Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO)
• Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY)
• Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
• Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OH)
• Rep. Val Hoyle (D-OR)
• Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR)
• Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA)
• Rep. Gave Amo (D-RI)
• Rep. Lizze Fletcher (D-TX)
• Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX)
• Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX)
• Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX)
• Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX)
• Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT)

Beyond the Boycott

While over 80 lawmakers chose to stay away, the Democratic Party's message continued through official channels. According to CBS News, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the party's formal response from Colonial Williamsburg, focusing on affordability and the impact of the administration's policies.

Simultaneously, an Official Senate Press Release confirmed that Senator Alex Padilla provided a rebuttal in Spanish, criticising the current economic and immigration agenda.

This split between those engaging in 'silent defiance' inside the chamber and those rallying outside at the 'People's State of the Union' highlights a party united in opposition, even as they employ different tactics. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, this mass boycott serves as a significant marker of the deep-seated divisions currently defining American politics.