Counter-Events Planned During Trump's State of the Union Address

As President Trump prepares for his State of the Union address, two significant counter-events are set to take place in Washington, D.C. The 'People's State of the Union' aims to highlight the voices of those affected by various issues, while the 'State of the Swamp' will serve as a public rebuttal to Trump's policies. Both events promise to feature prominent speakers and will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Read on to learn more about these alternative gatherings and how to watch them.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 06:49 IST

Alternative Events in Washington, D.C.

As President Donald Trump gears up for his State of the Union address on February 24, two distinct counter-events are scheduled to unfold in Washington, D.C. These events aim to provide live responses and alternative programming, with at least 30 lawmakers planning to forgo the president's speech to participate in these gatherings.

People’s State of the Union

The "People’s State of the Union" is set to commence at 8 PM ET, coinciding with Trump's address from the U.S. Capitol. This event, organized by MeidasTouch, MoveOn Civic Action, and various community groups, will take place at the opposite end of the National Mall and is expected to last several hours. The lineup includes congressional members, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, families affected by immigration policies, dismissed public health workers, and citizens facing economic hardships. Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, CEO of Interfaith Alliance, emphasized that the aim is to redirect focus from Trump’s speech to the concerns of the populace.

How to watch: The event will be livestreamed on MOVEON.ORG/LIVE and the MeidasTouch YouTube channel, with additional coverage from various media outlets and social media platforms.

State of the Swamp Event

Simultaneously, another counter-event titled "State of the Swamp" will occur near the U.S. Capitol at the National Press Club. This gathering, organized by Defiance.org, the Portland Frog Brigade, and Courier, aims to serve as a public rebuttal to what the organizers describe as Trump’s misuse of power. The program will kick off with preliminary discussions at 7 PM ET, followed by direct rebuttals from 9 to 10 PM, and keynote speeches until 11 PM. Attendees can expect live music, satire, speeches, and calls to action. Actor Robert De Niro will headline the event, with appearances from Mark Ruffalo and former CNN anchor Jim Acosta. Notable political figures such as Sen. Ron Wyden, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Stacey Abrams are also expected to attend.

How to watch: Although in-person tickets are sold out, the event will be available for livestreaming across the nation via Defiance.org, YouTube, Substack, and other media partners. Virtual attendees must register through the State of the Swamp website.