Dozens of Dems boycotting State of the Union; Jeffries urges restraint
The Hill
by Lindsey Granger, opinion contributor February 24, 2026
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Democrats face a significant challenge as they approach this year’s State of the Union address: how to effectively oppose President Donald Trump without inadvertently drawing excessive attention to him. Many Democrats are considering boycotting the event, reflecting a growing internal debate within the party about the best strategies for resistance. This decision is not made lightly, as past actions, such as disruptions or symbolic gestures, have often ended up amplifying Trump’s presence in the media.
The dilemma arises from the historical context of how opposition to previous administrations has been handled. In recent years, Democrats’ efforts to resist have sometimes resulted in increased media coverage focused on Trump rather than their own messages. This year, some party members are exploring alternative approaches, such as wearing all white or maintaining silence during the address, in an effort to convey unity and resistance without overt confrontation.
Jeffries, a key figure within the party, has urged Democrats to exercise restraint, cautioning against actions that might appear overly confrontational
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/24/2026