Arizona Representatives to Boycott Trump’s State of the Union Address
As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his first address to Congress in his second term on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, a significant number of legislators have announced they will not attend. At least 18 members of Congress, including three from Arizona – Representatives Yassamin Ansari, Rubén Gallego, and Adelita Grijalva – will boycott the speech in favor of participating in alternative events and highlighting concerns about the administration’s policies.
A Protest Against Trump’s Policies
The boycott is centered around the “People’s State of the Union,” a rally organized by MeidasTouch and MoveOn Civic Action on the National Mall. Representative Ansari will be joined by Sonia Almaráz, whose partner, Arbella “Yari” Márquez, is a permanent resident with leukemia currently detained at the Eloy Detention Center. Ansari intends to use Almaráz’s presence to draw attention to what she describes as the administration’s suppression of stories regarding the human consequences of ICE’s actions.
Arizona Delegation’s Stances
Senator Rubén Gallego has been particularly vocal in his criticism, stating that the administration “continues to ignore the rule of law and the Constitution although failing to reduce costs for American families.” He believes his time is better spent elsewhere than listening to what he considers falsehoods. Senator Mark Kelly, while taking a different approach, will attend the speech as an act of resistance, following a recent attempt by President Trump to have him arrested for comments critical of the administration.
Representative Grijalva will similarly not attend, and has symbolically offered her speech passes to Representative Ilhan Omar, who will bring the family of Renee Good, an American citizen killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. Grijalva stated her preference to “amplify the voices of Arizonans who have been affected by the administration’s immigration policies.”
Broader Democratic Opposition
The Democratic boycott extends beyond the Arizona delegation, with at least thirteen other House Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pramila Jayapal, and Greg Casar, confirming their absence. The decision followed internal debate within the Democratic caucus, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries advising colleagues to engage in “silent disobedience” or abstain from attendance altogether to avoid repeating past controversies.
Context of Crisis and Discontent
The boycott occurs amidst multiple challenges for the Trump administration, including a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entering its tenth day, impacting agencies like the TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard. Negotiations with Democrats remain stalled following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized the administration for prioritizing political maneuvering over addressing issues with ICE reform.
Internal Republican Concerns
The administration also faces growing discontent within its own party. Representative Don Bacon, who opposed the Canada tariffs, warned that President Trump’s policies could hinder the Republican party in upcoming midterm elections.
Public Opinion and Economic Indicators
Recent polls indicate widespread disapproval of the Trump administration, with 6 in 10 Americans expressing dissatisfaction with his performance. The economy experienced modest growth of only 1.4% in the last quarter, falling short of expectations.