Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), a senior Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, announced Tuesday that he would boycott President Donald Trump's address to Congress in protest of the administration's policies and mass federal firings. Connolly, whose district includes a significant number of government employees and federal contractors, cited solidarity with those workers as a key reason for his decision.
"There is no reason, rationale or justification to support this decision that will affect our people and nations ... Nobody wins with this decision," Connolly said during his morning press conference. He also pointed to broader concerns, including cuts to international aid, the removal of inspectors general across federal agencies, and reductions to Medicaid that could leave millions uninsured. "I will not attend Donald Trump's address to Congress," he said.
Connolly, who has never missed a State of the Union address in his 16 years on Capitol Hill, framed his decision as a stand against what he described as Trump's "chaos and cruelty." He joins a growing number of House Democrats considering various forms of protest during the president's speech, ranging from coordinated wardrobe choices to outright disruptions.
According to multiple House Democrats, discussions have included plans to walk out if Trump makes remarks they find objectionable. One lawmaker told Axios that criticism of transgender rights could be a triggering moment for some members to leave the chamber. Others have suggested more visual demonstrations, including holding up anti-Trump signs, carrying pocket-sized copies of the Constitution, or even using noisemakers such as hand clappers and red cards.
These proposals have divided House Democrats, with some members warning that direct disruptions could backfire politically. "There are definitely a lot of constituents that really want Democrats to disrupt, and there are ... constituents who feel like that just plays into his hands," a Democratic lawmaker told Axios.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has not explicitly discouraged boycotts but has urged members to maintain a "strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence in the chamber." In a letter to House Democrats, Jeffries emphasized the importance of demonstrating that there is a credible opposition party prepared to hold Trump accountable.
Instead of verbal disruptions, some Democratic groups are planning silent demonstrations. The Democratic Women's Caucus has called on its members to wear pink as a show of defiance against Trump. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have discussed wearing black to symbolize what they describe as the somber state of the country under Trump's leadership. Meanwhile, Ukraine Caucus co-chair Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) has been distributing blue and yellow ties and scarves to members who want to display solidarity with Ukraine.
House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) stressed that leadership is advising members to "keep the focus on the health and safety and the economic well-being of our constituents." The goal, he said, is to present a unified front while holding the administration accountable.
The protests surrounding Trump's address reflect a broader shift in congressional decorum. While past disruptions of joint sessions were considered rare and controversial-such as when Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) shouted "You lie!" at President Barack Obama in 2009-recent years have seen more frequent pushback from opposition members. Former President Joe Biden was repeatedly heckled by Republicans during his State of the Union speeches, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) held up a sign calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal" during his address last year.
Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) emphasized that, despite differences in protest tactics, House Democrats are united in their discontent. "Whether we are wearing pink, or black, or yellow and blue, we are all conveying our displeasure with this administration," she said. "What's more important is our work together and the pressure for three Republicans to do the right thing for everyone."
