Maryland’s Van Hollen Leads Democrats Planning State of the Union Boycott

February 18, 2026

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has announced he will boycott President Trump's State of the Union address scheduled for February 24, choosing instead to participate in a counter-event called the "People's State of the Union" on the National Mall. At least a dozen Democratic lawmakers, including several senators and House members, plan to skip the presidential speech and join the protest rally organized by progressive groups MoveOn and MeidasTouch. The boycotting legislators argue that Trump has transformed the traditionally unifying address into a divisive campaign event and cite concerns about constitutional violations and threats to democracy.

Who is affected

Senator Chris Van Hollen and at least a dozen Democratic lawmakers (including Senators Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, Chris Murphy, and Tina Smith, and Representatives Becca Balint, Greg Casar, Pramila Jayapal, and Delia Ramirez)
Americans who organizers say have been harmed by Trump's economic, health care, and immigration policies
Federal workers, particularly Van Hollen's constituents in Maryland
President Donald Trump
Members of Congress from both parties
Progressive advocacy groups MoveOn and media organization MeidasTouch

What action is being taken

Democratic lawmakers are planning to skip Trump's State of the Union address
These lawmakers are attending a protest rally called the "People's State of the Union" on the National Mall
MoveOn and MeidasTouch are organizing the counter-event
A partial government shutdown is continuing

Why it matters

This represents a significant break from longstanding congressional tradition where lawmakers from both parties historically attend State of the Union addresses even when deeply opposed to a president's agenda. The boycott signals an escalation in Democratic opposition to Trump, with lawmakers stating they refuse to "normalize" what they view as threats to democracy and constitutional governance. The action reflects deepening partisan divisions and challenges the customary role of the State of the Union as a unifying national moment.

What's next

Trump is scheduled to deliver the address on February 24 before a joint session of Congress.

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer