Watch live: House Democrats condemn Trump policies during annual retreat
The Hill
by The Hill StaffFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
House Democrats convened their annual retreat just a day after President Trump delivered a record-breaking State of the Union address, which included harsh criticism and clashes with members of the caucus. The timing of the retreat highlights the ongoing tension between the two parties, as many Democrats chose to boycott Trump's speech entirely, while others like Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and others attended despite the contentious atmosphere.
The retreat serves as an opportunity for House Democrats to regroup and strategize in response to Trump's attacks. During the speech, Trump targeted several Democrats, including Omar and Tlaib, by mocking their attendance at the speech while criticizing their voting records. This move has drawn sharp rebukes from Democratic leaders, who view it as an escalation in the partisan divide. The retreat is expected to focus on unity within the caucus, as well as plans to counter Trump's agenda and address key priorities such as healthcare, immigration reform, and infrastructure.
This moment underscores the deepening political divide in Washington, with Democrats and Republicans increasingly operating in separate echo chambers. The decision by many Democrats to boycott Trump's speech reflects a growing trend of partisanship, where cooperation between the two parties appears more challenging than ever. The retreat also marks an effort by House Democrats to reclaim their narrative and push back against what they see as baseless attacks from the White House.
For readers interested in politics, this story highlights the ongoing battle for control of Congress and the broader implications for立法and policy-making. As Trump continues to escalate his rhetoric, the retreat provides insight into how Democrats are preparing to respond—not just on Capitol Hill, but in the 2024 election cycle. The stakes are high as both parties jockey for position ahead of key votes and midterm elections, making this moment a critical turning point in the ongoing political drama.
Verticals
politicsnews
Originally published on The Hill on 2/25/2026