'He does not deserve an audience': Democrats skip Trump speech for 'People's State of the Union'

Around 30 elected Democrats chose to boycott President Donald Trump’s address to the US Congress on Tuesday night, instead gathering for an alternative event branded the 'People’s State of the Union'. The protest was staged as Trump prepared to speak before a joint session of lawmakers, where he aimed to defend his administration’s record and outline priorities for the year ahead during his second term in office.

Speaking to supporters assembled near the United States Capitol, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy sharply criticized the president. According to AFP, Murphy said Trump had 'made a mockery' of democratic institutions, and 'he does not deserve an audience', arguing that he did not merit the attention or legitimacy of a full congressional audience.



The competing event took place on the National Mall and was designed to spotlight people who organizers said had been directly harmed by Trump’s policies. Among those expected to speak were individuals described as an alleged victim of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, families affected by deportations, and public health researchers who lost their jobs amid federal budget reductions.

According to AFP, demonstrators at the gathering held signs reading 'Protect Our Democracy' and 'No Money for Immigration and Customs Enforcement', reflecting anger over immigration enforcement and broader concerns about democratic norms. Organizers framed the event as a counterweight to what they described as a carefully staged presidential address that ignored the human cost of government actions.

In addition to the People’s State of the Union, another protest-themed gathering titled 'State of the Swamp' was planned elsewhere in Washington. That event was expected to feature a mix of celebrities and Democratic politicians, further underscoring the party’s effort to challenge Trump’s message and draw attention to opposition voices during one of the most high-profile moments on the political calendar.