WASHINGTON (KFGO-WCCO) – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is joining dozens of Democratic lawmakers in boycotting President Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night.
Instead, Smith plans to attend the “People’s State of the Union” rally organized by MoveOn at the National Mall. She is bringing Brenda Lewis, superintendent of Fridley Public Schools.
Smith’s decision drew reaction from Democratic Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig, who is running in 2026 for Smith’s seat.
“I would rather stick forks in my eyes than actually be at the State of the Union here tonight myself, so I’m not going to judge another member of Congress,” Craig says.
Dozens of lawmakers are attending either the “People’s State of the Union” or another alternative event called “State of the Swamp” at the National Press Club. Some plan to attend both an alternative event, and the State of the Union.
There are some that are skipping it entirely, and planning to just watch the speech “elsewhere.” But, Craig adds she will be at the Capitol.
“I’m going because I think Donald Trump needs to face the people that he has harmed in this country, and Angel Ortiz will be my guest tonight at the State of the Union,” Craig explained.
Angel Ortiz’s mother was detained by ICE agents while in court seeking legal residency. The woman had been in the U.S. for 27 years, and Craig says she was forced to self-deport.
Craig told WCCO that she feels the state of the U.S. is perilous at this time, but noted the reaction of Minnesotans to the federal government’s immigration crackdown, Operation Metro Surge, shows that ‘democracy is not dead.’
“What gives me hope is that democracy itself may save democracy, and that means regular people getting off the sidelines, getting involved, pushing back, fighting back,” Craig said. “You know, not a single politician is going to save this country among itself. It’s going to take all of us in this fight.”
Trump will deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term. Priorities for the Republican’s administration have centered largely on the economy, immigration, crime, energy and national security.
Trump has spent the last year touting his accomplishments while mocking the record of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.
The speech is likely to be a test run of the message Republicans will give to voters in November’s elections for control of the House and the Senate.
Smith, who has represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate since 2018, has previously announced she will retire at the end of her current term in 2027.
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