California Lawmakers React to Trump’s State of the Union Address

California Delegation Reacts to State of the Union with Boycotts, Responses, and Symbolic Guests

As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, members of California’s congressional delegation are signaling a range of responses, from outright boycotts to planned rebuttals and the introduction of poignant guests. The varied approaches reflect the deep partisan divisions that continue to characterize the American political landscape, and underscore California’s often prominent role in national debates. The address comes at a time of ongoing scrutiny of the Trump administration, with several lawmakers voicing concerns over what they describe as abuses of power and disregard for constitutional norms.

The State of the Union address, a constitutionally mandated annual report by the President to Congress on the condition of the nation, is traditionally a moment for unity and bipartisan cooperation. However, for a growing number of Democrats, including several from California, attending the speech would be seen as tacit approval of policies and actions they vehemently oppose. This year’s address is particularly fraught, with accusations of presidential overreach and concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions taking center stage.

Schiff Leads Boycott, Cites Constitutional Concerns

Leading the charge against attending the address is Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), who announced he would be skipping the event for the first time in his career. Schiff, a vocal critic of the President, has accused Trump of violating the law and the Constitution, citing concerns over the administration’s handling of legal challenges and its alleged weaponization of the Justice Department. According to Fox News, Schiff stated he would not “give him the audience he craves for the lies that he tells.”

Schiff elaborated on his reasoning in a speech on the Senate floor, arguing that the President has systematically dismantled safeguards designed to prevent tyranny. He expressed concern over the concentration of power in the executive branch and the perceived disregard for checks and balances. “From the birth of our nation, our founders were obsessed with preventing tyranny and the emergence of another king, another despot,” Schiff said. “They created checks and balances, separation of powers, an independent judiciary.”

Joining Schiff in the boycott are Representatives Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach), Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles), and Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village). Their decision reflects a growing sentiment among some Democrats that engaging with the President’s address would normalize behavior they deem unacceptable.

Padilla to Deliver Spanish-Language Response

Whereas some California lawmakers are choosing to abstain from the event, others are planning to actively counter the President’s message. Senator Alex Padilla will deliver a Spanish-language response to the State of the Union address, reaching a significant segment of the California population and the broader Hispanic community. This move underscores the importance of reaching diverse audiences and providing alternative perspectives on the issues facing the nation.

Padilla’s decision to deliver a response in Spanish is particularly noteworthy given California’s large Hispanic population. The state has the largest Hispanic population in the United States, representing approximately 39% of its residents, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. His response will likely address issues of particular concern to the Hispanic community, such as immigration, economic opportunity, and access to healthcare.

Symbolic Guests Highlight Key Issues

Beyond the boycotts and rebuttals, California lawmakers are also using the State of the Union as an opportunity to highlight specific issues by inviting guests who embody those concerns. Several members are bringing survivors of abuse perpetrated by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, drawing attention to the ongoing demand for justice and accountability in cases of sexual assault. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) is bringing Teresa J. Helm, and Representative Robert Garcia’s guest is Annie Farmer, both survivors of abuse by Epstein and Maxwell.

The choice of these guests is a powerful statement, underscoring the importance of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing legal battles and the pursuit of justice in the Epstein case. Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, and Maxwell was convicted in December 2021 on multiple counts related to sex trafficking.

Other California representatives are bringing constituents to the address, showcasing the concerns of their districts. Representative Ken Calvert (R-Corona) is bringing Ben Benoit, the Riverside County auditor-controller, a longtime friend. This demonstrates a commitment to representing the interests of local communities and bringing their voices to the national stage.

Echoes of Past Protests

California’s congressional delegation has a history of making bold statements during State of the Union addresses. Perhaps the most memorable instance occurred in 2020, when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) dramatically ripped up a copy of President Trump’s speech immediately after he concluded his remarks. This act of defiance became a symbol of the deep political divisions that characterized the Trump presidency.

While it remains unclear whether California lawmakers will engage in similar theatrics this year, their actions demonstrate a willingness to challenge the President and make their voices heard. The State of the Union address is often a highly choreographed event, but the presence of dissenting voices and symbolic gestures can disrupt the narrative and spark important conversations.

Looking Ahead

The President’s State of the Union address is expected to focus on his administration’s accomplishments and outline his priorities for the coming year. However, the responses from California’s congressional delegation suggest that the address will be met with skepticism and resistance from many quarters. The coming days and weeks will likely notice further debate and discussion over the issues raised in the speech, as lawmakers grapple with the challenges facing the nation.

Following the State of the Union address, Congress will continue to debate key legislative priorities, including funding for infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The outcome of these debates will have a significant impact on the lives of Californians and Americans across the country. The next major legislative deadline is the upcoming budget negotiations, scheduled to start in March 2026.

What are your thoughts on the State of the Union address and the responses from California’s congressional delegation? Share your comments below and join the conversation.