Democrats prepare an alternate reaction to Trump's major address
The party's recent shift towards a less combative stance reflects their ongoing struggle to determine the best way to engage with the president.
TroibNews 
President Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, marking his first such address in five years. In response, Democrats are resolved to avoid centering their reactions solely on him.
This marks a shift from Trump's first term when his congressional addresses became a stage for Democratic opposition, filled with booing, chanting, and even walkouts. Lawmakers often chose specific outfits and invited guests to convey their messages. Notably, in 2020, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi infamously tore up a copy of Trump's speech while seated directly behind him.
Many Democrats now indicate they will adopt a less combative approach, reflecting the ongoing adjustment within the party regarding how to respond to the president, especially as their base grows more impatient.
“In 2017, a lot of us felt like Donald Trump was an anomaly. In 2025, he won the election. Everybody knows who he is. He said what he was going to do, and the country still voted for him, so I think we have to be very strategic as Democrats,” remarked Rep. Ami Bera.
According to 10 Democratic lawmakers interviewed, their strategy involves focusing on the ramifications of Trump’s second-term policies during the speech. Many plan to bring guests who can underscore the impact of the Trump administration's significant alterations to the federal bureaucracy, including union leaders, laid-off federal workers, and individuals affected by funding freezes.
“Just a protest isn't going to win us the next election,” Bera emphasized. “Instead, we should say, ‘Look, that's what he's doing.’”
Several Democratic representatives expressed a desire to spotlight budget cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, rather than solely on Trump himself.
Private guidance shared with Democratic lawmakers and obtained by PMG advised them to unify around a message that positions “Democrats are on the side of the American people while Trump and Republicans in Congress stand with Elon Musk and billionaire donors.” Lawmakers are also encouraged to invite guests who have suffered due to the Trump administration's policies or the Republican budget.
Interestingly, there does not seem to be a coordinated effort among Democrats to boycott Trump's speech, as seen in previous years. Instead, some lawmakers feel it’s essential to demonstrate that Trump faces opposition, envisioning a scenario where seated, serious-faced Democrats contrast with cheery Republicans. Rep. Pramila Jayapal stated that it is crucial for the viewing audience “to see a significant presence of us there.”
However, this sentiment is not universal. Rep. Don Beyer, who represents many federal employees in his suburban district near Washington, has chosen to skip the event after having attended during Trump’s first term.
“The notion of half my colleagues rising and standing and enormous clapping for … things that I think are terrible for the American people every couple of minutes will not be funny,” he stated. “I don't see that I'll contribute anything to the event.”
While Tuesday's address technically isn’t a State of the Union, it will maintain much of the same ceremonial flair. Trump is expected to use the occasion to showcase his government overhaul and the dismantling of Democratic priorities, likely aiming for viral moments to energize his MAGA supporters.
Democratic leadership appears determined to refrain from falling into Trump's provocations, opting instead to emphasize his policies and their impact on the cost of living. They have designated Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan to deliver the party’s official response. Slotkin’s disciplined campaign focused on economic issues may resonate well, especially in a state where Trump also saw success.
Rep. Adriano Espaillat will provide a response in Spanish, with indications that his remarks will similarly center on economic matters. The progressive Working Families Party has invited Rep. Lateefah Simon to deliver a separate left-leaning rebuttal.
In discussing the speech, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries posed key questions for Trump: “Why has he failed to do anything to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America, and why has the Trump administration unleashed far-right extremism on the American people in a way that represents an assault on the American way of life?”
While large-scale disturbances remain unlikely, some lawmakers have privately contemplated a coordinated walkout during the address or protests involving pink hats, though enthusiasm for these actions appears lesser than in previous years.
Lawmakers still harbor frustration, with many grappling with how to channel their anger toward Trump, particularly in light of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and his pardoning of rioters, as well as ongoing erosion of essential federal programs.
“He’s so much more abusive, but my job is to be there,” said Rep. Norma Torres, who is bringing a fire chief from her California district as a guest to emphasize planned cuts to FEMA.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus plans to make a notable statement through their clothing choices, akin to gestures from Trump's first term. According to Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, chair of the caucus, this will be a way to reflect the outrage many women across the nation feel.
“Women across this country are furious,” she expressed. “And so I think we're going to bring that fury to the State of the Union in creative ways, and we're going to make sure that Trump knows and that Americans who are watching understand Trump's America.”
Among those expected to attend is a notable Trump critic: Pelosi, as confirmed by a spokesperson.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
This marks a shift from Trump's first term when his congressional addresses became a stage for Democratic opposition, filled with booing, chanting, and even walkouts. Lawmakers often chose specific outfits and invited guests to convey their messages. Notably, in 2020, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi infamously tore up a copy of Trump's speech while seated directly behind him.
Many Democrats now indicate they will adopt a less combative approach, reflecting the ongoing adjustment within the party regarding how to respond to the president, especially as their base grows more impatient.
“In 2017, a lot of us felt like Donald Trump was an anomaly. In 2025, he won the election. Everybody knows who he is. He said what he was going to do, and the country still voted for him, so I think we have to be very strategic as Democrats,” remarked Rep. Ami Bera.
According to 10 Democratic lawmakers interviewed, their strategy involves focusing on the ramifications of Trump’s second-term policies during the speech. Many plan to bring guests who can underscore the impact of the Trump administration's significant alterations to the federal bureaucracy, including union leaders, laid-off federal workers, and individuals affected by funding freezes.
“Just a protest isn't going to win us the next election,” Bera emphasized. “Instead, we should say, ‘Look, that's what he's doing.’”
Several Democratic representatives expressed a desire to spotlight budget cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, rather than solely on Trump himself.
Private guidance shared with Democratic lawmakers and obtained by PMG advised them to unify around a message that positions “Democrats are on the side of the American people while Trump and Republicans in Congress stand with Elon Musk and billionaire donors.” Lawmakers are also encouraged to invite guests who have suffered due to the Trump administration's policies or the Republican budget.
Interestingly, there does not seem to be a coordinated effort among Democrats to boycott Trump's speech, as seen in previous years. Instead, some lawmakers feel it’s essential to demonstrate that Trump faces opposition, envisioning a scenario where seated, serious-faced Democrats contrast with cheery Republicans. Rep. Pramila Jayapal stated that it is crucial for the viewing audience “to see a significant presence of us there.”
However, this sentiment is not universal. Rep. Don Beyer, who represents many federal employees in his suburban district near Washington, has chosen to skip the event after having attended during Trump’s first term.
“The notion of half my colleagues rising and standing and enormous clapping for … things that I think are terrible for the American people every couple of minutes will not be funny,” he stated. “I don't see that I'll contribute anything to the event.”
While Tuesday's address technically isn’t a State of the Union, it will maintain much of the same ceremonial flair. Trump is expected to use the occasion to showcase his government overhaul and the dismantling of Democratic priorities, likely aiming for viral moments to energize his MAGA supporters.
Democratic leadership appears determined to refrain from falling into Trump's provocations, opting instead to emphasize his policies and their impact on the cost of living. They have designated Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan to deliver the party’s official response. Slotkin’s disciplined campaign focused on economic issues may resonate well, especially in a state where Trump also saw success.
Rep. Adriano Espaillat will provide a response in Spanish, with indications that his remarks will similarly center on economic matters. The progressive Working Families Party has invited Rep. Lateefah Simon to deliver a separate left-leaning rebuttal.
In discussing the speech, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries posed key questions for Trump: “Why has he failed to do anything to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America, and why has the Trump administration unleashed far-right extremism on the American people in a way that represents an assault on the American way of life?”
While large-scale disturbances remain unlikely, some lawmakers have privately contemplated a coordinated walkout during the address or protests involving pink hats, though enthusiasm for these actions appears lesser than in previous years.
Lawmakers still harbor frustration, with many grappling with how to channel their anger toward Trump, particularly in light of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and his pardoning of rioters, as well as ongoing erosion of essential federal programs.
“He’s so much more abusive, but my job is to be there,” said Rep. Norma Torres, who is bringing a fire chief from her California district as a guest to emphasize planned cuts to FEMA.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus plans to make a notable statement through their clothing choices, akin to gestures from Trump's first term. According to Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, chair of the caucus, this will be a way to reflect the outrage many women across the nation feel.
“Women across this country are furious,” she expressed. “And so I think we're going to bring that fury to the State of the Union in creative ways, and we're going to make sure that Trump knows and that Americans who are watching understand Trump's America.”
Among those expected to attend is a notable Trump critic: Pelosi, as confirmed by a spokesperson.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
