Rep. Grijalva Boycotts State of the Union, Cites Trump’s “Lies and Gaslighting”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ) did not attend President Trump’s State of the Union address on February 25, 2026, joining several other Democratic lawmakers in a boycott. Grijalva publicly stated her decision stemmed from what she characterized as the president’s consistent dishonesty and disregard for the concerns of working families.

Grijalva’s Criticism of Trump’s Address

In a statement released following the address, Grijalva described Trump’s speech as “completely detached from reality” and a “nearly two hours of rambling” that failed to address critical issues facing Americans. She specifically highlighted the rising costs of living – including groceries, rent, utilities, and healthcare – and criticized the president for not offering any concrete plans for relief.

“Trump continues to be more preoccupied with playing dictator rather than facing the real issues that the American people care about,” Grijalva asserted. She likewise condemned the administration’s tariffs, which she believes are exacerbating economic hardship, and the handling of the Epstein files, alleging a pattern of lawlessness and abuse of power.

Focus on Immigration Policies

Grijalva strongly criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies, describing them as an “anti-immigrant agenda” that is separating families and causing fear within communities. She specifically mentioned the case of Mubashir Khalif Hussen, a U.S. Citizen violently detained by ICE, and Julia Benitez, a 79-year-old asylum seeker with dementia who has been held in federal detention for nine months. Grijalva offered her seat to Hussen, a guest of Congressmember Ilhan Omar, to ensure Trump would “look into the eyes of the people that he is harming directly.”

Concerns Over ICE Detention Centers

The congresswoman expressed deep concern over the expansion of ICE detention centers, characterizing them as “literal warehouses of human suffering.” She warned that these facilities are being used to detain citizens and that the process of securing their release is costly and damaging to communities.

Boycott and Call for Bipartisan Action

Grijalva explained her decision to boycott the State of the Union was rooted in her inability to “in good conscience sit there and listen to Trump proceed on and on with what we knew was going to be hours of lies, gaslighting and maligning the very people that I represent.” Despite not attending, she stated she watched the address to understand the administration’s arguments and prepare a response.

Grijalva concluded by urging Republicans to function with Democrats to invest in the American people rather than pursuing policies she believes are harmful to families and the economy.