Warner walks out of Trump speech: ‘Couldn’t sit through … lies’
The Hill
by Ryan ManciniFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) made headlines by leaving President Trump’s State of the Union address before it concluded, joining several other Democrats who exited early. In a social media post, Warner explained his decision, stating he couldn’t “sit through hours of Trump’s lies.” This bold move highlighted growing tensions between the two political sides and underscored the increasing polarization in Congress.
The State of the Union address is traditionally a moment for unity, but this year saw record departures by Democrats, signaling deeper divisions. Warner’s exit came as part of a broader trend, with other lawmakers also choosing to leave early. This marked a significant shift from past years, where even political opponents typically stayed until the end.
Warner’s decision was not without precedent. In recent years, members of both parties have walked out during speeches they disagreed with, reflecting increasingly partisan attitudes. However, this instance gained attention due to its timing and the high-profile nature of the speaker. Warner’s statement directly criticized Trump, framing his exit as a
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/25/2026