House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday criticized Democrats planning multiple counter-events ahead of President Donald Trump’s address, arguing the move reflects continued opposition to the president’s agenda.
Speaking at the House GOP leadership’s weekly press conference, Johnson said the country would hear what he described as the results of Trump’s first year back in office.
“This evening, the entire country will hear an update on the full scope of President Trump’s transformational and historic first year back in office,” Johnson said. “The results speak for themselves. Why does he have so much to talk about? Because inflation is down, wages are up, investment is booming. The GDP is exceeding every expectation.”
Johnson said Democrats were planning several alternative events instead of attending the address.
“Democrats, meanwhile, are going to host — count them — five separate counter events, rallies of some sort, they call them, in lieu of tonight’s address,” he said.
He characterized the events as political theatrics and accused Democrats of focusing primarily on opposition to the president.
“For all of these theatrics, it doesn’t matter how many little gatherings they have or where they stand or how high the volume is on the microphones, they have nothing to offer,” Johnson said, describing what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Johnson also argued Democrats routinely oppose the administration’s priorities, including immigration policy, and engage in obstruction.
“It’s the same tired playbook that Democrats have been running for a decade now,” Johnson said, adding that boycotting a presidential address is inappropriate regardless of party.
House Speaker Mike Johnson slams Democrats boycotting President Trump’s State of the Union address:
“They have nothing to offer… all they can tell you about is how they oppose President Trump… it’s the same tired playbook that they’ve run for a decade.” pic.twitter.com/GEdVUwcKb3
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 24, 2026
One of the counter-events scheduled Tuesday night is the “People’s State of the Union,” planned near the Lincoln Memorial.
Nearly 30 Democrats are skipping President Trump’s SOTU, including Adam Schiff and Pramila Jayapal.
They can sulk on the sidelines—more seats for real patriots inside. Another self-inflicted embarrassment for Dems.pic.twitter.com/yY8ZsplVMc
— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) February 24, 2026
