WASHINGTON ― On Tuesday night, Democrats in Congress will once again face one of the most mundane tasks in politics: How to channel their constituents’ disgust and outrage with President Donald Trump and his policies during a State of the Union address.
Countering the president ― who has the benefit of being able to talk for an hour or more while you’re expected to sit still ― has proven difficult for members of both parties. Democrats’ efforts in 2025 were mostly met with skepticism or resistance. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) won liberal plaudits and got booted out of the chamber for waving his cane and yelling at Trump, while progressives were panned for the circular signs they passed out with anti-Trump messages. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) made a few headlines for solemnly walking around the chamber with her handwritten message, “This is NOT Normal.”
This year, Democratic leaders are encouraging members to either skip the address or keep their protests low-key, and most members seem inclined to follow their advice. There’s a big rally being held outside the U.S. Capitol, and inside, the most popular form of protest is bringing a guest in one of two categories: a survivor of the late Trump-linked sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, or a victim of violent behavior by federal immigration enforcement officials.
