Adam Schiff Boycotts Trump's State of the Union Address

Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) has announced his decision to boycott President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, scheduled for February 24, 2026. This decision aligns with a growing trend among congressional Democrats, with at least seven Senate colleagues and over 20 House Democrats also opting to skip the event. Schiff's absence marks a significant departure from his previous practice of attending every State of the Union address.

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In a video posted on social media, Schiff articulated his reasons for the boycott, citing what he describes as ongoing violations of the law and the Constitution by the Trump administration. He accused Trump of “violating the law and Constitution,” “ignoring court orders,” and “weaponizing the Justice Department to go after his enemies.” Additionally, Schiff criticized the administration's immigration policies, stating, “He is letting loose ICE troops in our streets that are getting people killed.” These statements reflect Schiff's broader concerns regarding the current political climate and the implications of Trump's actions.

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Instead of attending the State of the Union, Schiff plans to participate in a counter-rally known as the “People’s State of the Union,” organized by the advocacy groups MoveOn and MeidasTouch. This event will take place on the National Mall at the same time as Trump’s address, serving as a platform for dissent against the president's policies. Schiff emphasized the importance of this alternative gathering, stating, “I will not give him the audience he craves for the lies that he tells.”

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Schiff's boycott is part of a larger pattern of Democratic lawmakers expressing discontent with Trump’s presidency. Other senators, including Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Patty Murray (D-WA), have also announced their plans to skip the address. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has encouraged House Democrats to either remain in “silent defiance” or not attend at all. This collective action underscores the deep partisan divisions currently characterizing U.S. politics.

Washington Examiner

While Schiff and other Democrats have voiced strong opposition to Trump’s presidency, the White House has consistently denied allegations of misconduct, including claims of weaponizing the Justice Department. Critics of the boycott argue that skipping the State of the Union undermines the democratic process and the opportunity for dialogue, suggesting that engagement is preferable to protest.

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As the date of the State of the Union approaches, the political landscape remains charged, with various counter-events planned by Democrats. The “People’s State of the Union” is expected to draw significant attention, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and its critics in Congress.

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• “Donald Trump is violating the law and Constitution. He is ignoring court orders. He has weaponized the Justice Department to go after his enemies. He is letting loose ICE troops in our streets that are getting people killed. I will not be attending the State of the Union,” — Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator

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• “I will not give him the audience he craves for the lies that he tells.” — Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator

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• “I have always gone both to inaugurations and to states of the Union. But we cannot treat this as normal. This is not business as usual.” — Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator

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