Democrats Plan Boycott of Trump's Congressional Address

Several Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Chris Murphy, Ed Markey, and Angela Alsobrooks, are planning to boycott President Trump's congressional address, labeling it a 'MAGA pep rally' and expressing concerns about its potential divisiveness. Rep. Gerry Connolly stated he will skip the address in solidarity with federal employees affected by recent job cuts, emphasizing the challenges facing his constituents. Some members are opting for alternative programming, with Murphy and Senator Brian Schatz hosting a live prebuttal during Trump's speech. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has encouraged his colleagues to attend and bring guests who have been adversely affected by Trump’s policies. Despite the boycott, Jeffries emphasized maintaining a strong Democratic presence in Congress. Overall, the boycotts reflect growing tensions and dissatisfaction among Democrats regarding the current political climate.