A handful of Democrats are adding to a tradition of boycotting President Donald Trump as he gives a joint address to Congress on Tuesday.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) led the charge on Sunday, telling CNN that he would not attend the joint address and labeling it a “MAGA pep rally.”
“Listen, the case I’m making to Democrats is that we have to fight every single day. Every single day,” Murphy said. “Republicans flood the zone. Democrats have to flood the zone.”
Since Murphy’s decision was made public, a handful of Democrats, including some of his Democratic colleagues in the Senate, have joined him in boycotting the address. Among them are:
- Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), who is one of the most senior members of the Senate and serves as the mighty Appropriations Committee chairwoman.
- Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), who is a former House member and is also known for his aggressive liberalism and environmental agenda.
- Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), who is chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Heinrich announced Tuesday on X that he would “start attending when he [Trump] starts following the law.”
House members have been less inclined to publicly denounce Trump. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has urged a “strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence in the chamber.” He has encouraged members to bring guests who have been hurt by Trump’s agenda, saying, “The House as an institution belongs to the American people, and as their representatives, we will not be run off the block or bullied,” in a “Dear Colleague” letter.
In an effort to fight back, Jeffries will have House Democrats “stand together” Wednesday after the address, where they will “feature the voices of the American people.”
Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) opted to sit out the address with the senators and join them for “alternate programming.”
“I attended the inauguration, so I basically know what to expect in this speech,” Balint said. “And it’s not going to be a unifying message in any way, shape, or form.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortex (D-NY), who made it known she was skipping out on Trump’s inauguration, announced Tuesday that she would not be attending the address but instead will be live posting. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) also announced she will not be attending.
“Let me make myself clear,” Ocasio-Cortez said on TikTok ahead of the inauguration. “I don’t celebrate rapists. So no, I’m not going to the inauguration tomorrow.”
This story has been updated to reflect that Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) is not among the boycotters.
