Story perspectives

Democrats to Boycott State of the Union, Host Alternatives

2/20/2026

Center

Democrats Boycott Speech

Several House and Senate Democrats will boycott the State of the Union on February 24, 2025, attending counter-events.
The “People's State of the Union” will feature speakers from progressive groups, including Senators Ed Markey and Chris Murphy.
Critics, including Murphy, say attending the speech legitimizes Trump's divisive rhetoric.
Trump faced backlash for comments about Ivanka and for criticizing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Munich Security Conference on Taiwan.

Right

Ocasio-Cortez Faces Backlash

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faced bipartisan backlash after a Munich Security Conference appearance over a Venezuela geography error and her stance on U.S. military support for Taiwan.
Grand Old Party (GOP) strategist Matt Whitlock described her response as a “world salad.”
Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf questioned her readiness for international issues.
Bishop Robert Barron criticized her framing as Marxist ideology.
Ocasio-Cortez condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration actions against Nicolás Maduro.

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Democrats Boycott Speech

Several House and Senate Democrats will boycott the State of the Union on February 24, 2025, attending counter-events.
The “People's State of the Union” will feature speakers from progressive groups, including Senators Ed Markey and Chris Murphy.
Critics, including Murphy, say attending the speech legitimizes Trump's divisive rhetoric.
Trump faced backlash for comments about Ivanka and for criticizing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Munich Security Conference on Taiwan.

1 / 2