Van Hollen and McClain Delaney Lead Boycott Against Trump’s State of the Union Address

On February 24, U.S. Representative April McClain Delaney and Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland will join a collective of Democratic lawmakers who are choosing not to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech, instead heading to a “People’s State of the Union” gathering on the National Mall.

Recently, both Van Hollen and McClain Delaney have been outspoken regarding their opposition to the planned ICE immigrant detention facility near Williamsport. The Department of Homeland Security and ICE recently acquired a vast 825,620-square-foot warehouse located along Wright Road.

As they announced their decision to boycott the State of the Union, both lawmakers highlighted what they believe to be Trump’s lawlessness throughout his second term.

The “People’s State of the Union,” hosted by MeidasTouch and MoveOn LIVE, is promoted via Mobilize.us. Additional partners for the event include Indivisible, Interfaith Alliance, Center for Popular Democracy, Climate Power, Economic Security Project Action, Families Over Billionaires, and Free DC.

A statement on the “People’s State of the Union” Mobilize.us page reads, “During the State of the Union (SOTU), Republicans in Congress are once again capitulating to Trump, neglecting the needs of their constituents. Participating in Trump’s vanity project isn’t acceptable, which is why Democratic leaders, MoveOn members, and ordinary Americans affected by Trump’s crisis are uniting for the People’s State of the Union.”

As for Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland’s other Democratic senator, her office did not immediately provide information on whether she plans to attend either the State of the Union or the “People’s State of the Union” as of February 20.

Statements from McClain Delaney

On February 19, McClain Delaney declared her intention to skip the State of the Union address on February 24, as per a press release from her office.

“I believe that my attendance at the State of the Union would not provide significant benefits to my constituents in Maryland’s Sixth District. The President’s harmful and unlawful actions over the past year have negatively impacted the lives of many Marylanders—making essentials less affordable, undermining food security, limiting access to health care, and devastating local farms and businesses throughout our area,” McClain Delaney stated in her release.

She criticized the Trump administration for its mass termination of federal employees, the trade wars, ICE operations, cuts to the Affordable Care Act and Medicare, “misleading online attacks” directed at Governor Wes Moore and Team Maryland, and “political retribution,” exemplified by withholding FEMA emergency funds from Allegany County following last year’s historic flooding, according to the release.

“I am committed to opposing these harmful policies at every opportunity. Simultaneously, I am collaborating with local and state leaders to rebuild trust, address issues, and promote practical solutions that enhance affordability and strengthen communities. This week, I unveiled my affordability agenda titled ‘Costs Down, Opportunity Up,’ which is designed to lower expenses, increase opportunities, advance Medicare for All, boost housing availability, and ensure equitable tax contributions. I’m eager to discuss my plans with my Congressional colleagues during the People’s State of the Union,” McClain Delaney added in her release.

Van Hollen’s Comments

On February 18, Van Hollen took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce his decision to skip the State of the Union.

“Trump is leading America toward fascism, and I refuse to normalize his disregard for our Constitution and democracy,” Van Hollen expressed in his post.

On February 20, Van Hollen reiterated this sentiment in a statement from his office.

“I cannot normalize Donald Trump’s slides towards fascism by attending his State of the Union address. We cannot act as if this is just business as usual. Trump’s second term has been characterized by outright lawlessness and a complete disdain for our Constitution—whether it’s through the aggressive operations of ICE that intimidate our communities, continuous attacks on our federal employees and their vital services, or significant infringements on the individual constitutional rights we cherish,” he stated.

“Throughout this, Trump has used the power of the presidency to benefit himself and his wealthy allies, at the expense of everyday Americans. He is overseeing the most corrupt administration in U.S. history, compromising our national interests for profit. I’m excited to join genuine patriots who are standing up and speaking out against Trump’s unlawful agenda, as we strive to defend our democracy and the beloved country we all share.”

Other Democratic Boycotters

Other senators opting out of the address include Tina Smith from Minnesota, Chris Murphy from Connecticut, Ed Markey from Massachusetts, and Jeff Merkley from Oregon, according to a report from USA TODAY.

Among the members of the House who will not attend are Yassamin Ansari from Arizona, Becca Balint from Vermont, Greg Casar from Texas, Pramila Jayapal from Washington, Veronica Escobar from Texas, Delia Ramirez from Illinois, and Bonnie Watson Coleman from New Jersey.

Details on the State of the Union

President Trump is expected to deliver his State of the Union address on February 24 at 9 p.m. ET. Coverage of the event is anticipated to last from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. USA TODAY will stream the event live on both its YouTube channel and its website.

In addition to USA TODAY’s live stream, viewers can catch the State of the Union on major television networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, NPR, and PBS.

Reporting by Julie E. Greene, The Herald-Mail / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

Contributions to this story were made by USA TODAY staff writers Zachary Schermele and Fernando Cervantes Jr.