Democratic boycott builds against Trump speech to Congress
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A Democratic boycott is developing ahead of President Trump's address to Congress on Tuesday, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Democratic leaders have asked lawmakers to show up to the speech with people affected by DOGE and Trump's federal funding freeze.
- Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), one of the most senior Democrats in the Senate, will not attend Trump's speech on Tuesday, Axios has learned
- Neither will Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who will instead host an online town hall.
Zoom in: On the House side, Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) told Axios she does not plan to attend and will instead participate in a MoveOn livestream with Senate Democrats.
- "I know I would hear more of the same [lies] if I attended tonight. I want to be part of an alternative event that will be fact checking in real time. That's the best way I can use my voice tonight for Vermonters," she said.
- Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) also plans to skip the speech, his office told Axios.
- Several other House Democrats told Axios last week they were on the fence about attending, with Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) saying: "As of now, I don't have any reason to go."
Catch up quick: Democrats on Capitol Hill are split on how to best handle Trump's first big address to Congress of his second term.
- They have a guest list that they hope will showcase what they argue are the harms of Trump's first month in office.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to his caucus Monday that the decision to attend is a "personal one" and that he understands members will "come to different conclusions."
- "However, it is important to have a strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence in the chamber. The House as an institution belongs to the American people, and as their representatives we will not be run off the block or bullied," he added.
Go deeper: Fuming Democrats struggle with Trump speech strategy
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
