Democratic lawmakers are discussing a litany of options to protest at President Trump's speech to Congress on Tuesday, including through outright disruption, a half dozen House Democrats told Axios.
Why it matters: Some of these tactics go beyond their leaders' recommendation that members bring guests hurt by Trump and DOGE. This sets up a potential clash between party traditionalists and its more combative anti-Trump wing.
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"The part that we all agree on is that this is not business as usual and we would like to find a way — productively — to express our outrage," one House Democrat told Axios.
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There is widespread disagreement among Democrats, both inside and outside of Congress, over what would be the most appropriate and effective form of demonstration.
A wide array of props — including noisemakers — has also been floated:
- Signs with anti-Trump or anti-DOGE messages — just as Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) held up a sign during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech last year that said "war criminal."
- Eggs or empty egg cartons to highlight how inflation is driving up the price of eggs.
- Pocket constitutions to make the case that Trump has been violating the Constitution by shutting down congressionally authorized agencies.
- Hand clappers, red cards and various other props have also been discussed, multiple sources said.
What they're saying: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) wrote in a letter to House Democrats that he and other leaders plan to attend the speech to "make clear to the nation that there is a strong opposition party ready, willing and able to serve as a check and balance."
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Jeffries also said leadership understands if some members skip the speech — as several have said they plan to do — but urged a "strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence in the chamber."
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House Democratic caucus chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) told Axios leadership is telling members to "keep the focus on the health and safety and the economic wellbeing of our constituents."
Coming soon, "Democrats who disrupted presidential speech banned from further presidential addresses."
Also, "ready, willing, and able?"
They weren't READY despite repeated warnings and in the face of blatant statements and evidence. And they haven't been ABLE to do anything to stop the continued dismantling of our government infrastructure since Trump took office.
How about fucking doing anything?
With a firm minority in both chambers of Congress, what, exactly, would you have them do besides raise awareness? This problem is on the voters who elected all these clowns, and right now, they're the only ones who can fix it. And that's not going to happen until 2026.
Leak information on their political rivals to make them less safe. Location, security details, habits, etc. Make them paranoid and make them live in fear.
https://strickland.house.gov/2025/02/16/what-can-democrats-do-about-trump-and-musks-policy-blitz-heres-what-washington-lawmakers-say/
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/bernie-sanders-elon-musk-oligarchy-speech/