Democratic Lawmakers Opt Out of Trump’s Joint Address, Citing Concerns

President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress this evening will be marked by the absence of several prominent Democratic lawmakers, signaling a deepening divide and a range of concerns about the President’s policies and rhetoric. The decision by these Democrats to boycott the address highlights the tension between the executive and legislative branches, and underscores the different strategies within the Democratic party on how to engage with the Trump administration.

Among those who will not be attending is Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a prominent voice of the progressive wing of the Democratic party. Ocasio-Cortez announced her decision on social media platform Bluesky, stating that she would instead engage with her constituents online during the address. “I’m not going to the Joint Address. I will be live posting and chatting with you all here instead. Then going on IG Live after,” she said. This digital approach allows Ocasio-Cortez to communicate directly with her base, offering an alternative perspective and fostering a sense of community engagement.

The decision to boycott the address comes amid discussions within the Democratic party about how to respond to Trump’s agenda. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, has reportedly advised his party members to avoid disruptions or actions that would draw undue attention away from the speech itself. Jeffries’ guidance suggests a strategy of maintaining decorum and focusing on a more measured response to the President’s remarks. However, many Democratic constituents have expressed their desire for stronger opposition to Trump’s policies, creating a tension between the desire for unified action and the need to represent the concerns of their voters.

Ocasio-Cortez is not alone in her decision to abstain from the address. Several other Democratic senators and representatives have also announced their intentions to skip the event, each citing their own reasons for doing so.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the address, calling it "a farce" and stating that he refuses to participate. "I think it’s going to be a MAGA pep rally, not a serious talk to the nation," Murphy told CNN’s Dana Bash. In lieu of attending the address, Murphy, along with Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii and podcaster and comedian Akilah Hughes, will co-host a live stream "prebuttal" that will begin before and continue throughout Trump’s speech. This alternative programming offers a counter-narrative to the President’s message and provides a platform for discussion and analysis.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has also announced that he will be skipping Trump’s speech and instead holding a virtual town hall with his constituents. This approach allows Wyden to directly engage with the people he represents, addressing their concerns and providing updates on legislative issues. The virtual format also expands accessibility, allowing constituents who may not be able to attend in-person events to participate.

Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., will also be absent from the address, according to Politico. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., has also stated her intention to boycott the speech, offering a scathing critique of the President’s actions. "I will not be attending President Trump’s address to Congress. The state of the union is that the President is spitting in the face of the law and he is letting an unelected billionaire fire cancer researchers and wreck federal agencies like the Social Security Administration at will," Murray said in a press release. Murray’s statement reflects a deep dissatisfaction with the President’s leadership and a concern for the integrity of government institutions.

Despite the Democratic boycott, tradition dictates that the party will offer an official response to Trump’s speech. This year, Michigan’s Sen. Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic rebuttal. Slotkin’s response will provide an opportunity for the Democratic party to articulate its own vision for the country and to offer a contrasting perspective on the issues addressed by the President.

Trump is scheduled to deliver his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, March 4, at 9 p.m. ET. Multiple media outlets, including USA TODAY, ABC, Fox News, NPR, NewsNation, and PBS, will provide live coverage of the event. The address is expected to cover a range of topics, including the economy, national security, and the President’s legislative agenda.

The decision by these Democratic lawmakers to boycott Trump’s joint address reflects the deep political divisions within the country and the ongoing debate over the direction of the nation. While some Democrats have opted for a strategy of engagement and measured response, others have chosen to express their opposition more directly through boycotts and alternative programming. This divergence in approach highlights the complexities of navigating the current political landscape and the diverse range of perspectives within the Democratic party. The events of this evening will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing dialogue and shape the political discourse in the months to come. The absent lawmakers are making a statement, choosing to use their platform to connect with constituents directly or to offer alternative viewpoints, thereby challenging the traditional format of presidential addresses and offering new ways to engage in political discourse.