Adam Schiff to boycott Trump’s State of the Union, says he won’t give president ‘audience he craves’

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Adam Schiff announced he will boycott President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, citing what he described as ongoing violations of the law and Constitution by the administration.

The California Democrat said he will instead participate in an alternative event outside the Capitol, breaking with his past practice of attending such addresses.

Schiff’s decision adds to a growing list of Democrats who are opting out of the high-profile speech, underscoring deep partisan tensions in Washington.

Adam Schiff cites constitutional concerns, law enforcement actions

In a statement explaining his decision, Schiff accused Trump of “violating the law and Constitution” and “ignoring court orders.”

He also alleged that the president has “weaponized the Justice Department to go after his enemies,” a claim the White House has repeatedly denied.

“Donald Trump is violating the law and Constitution. He is ignoring court orders. He has weaponized the Justice Department to go after his enemies,” he said.

Schiff further criticized the administration’s immigration enforcement policies, saying, “He is letting loose ICE troops in our streets that are getting people killed.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations have been a flashpoint in national politics, with Republicans arguing they are necessary to enforce federal law and protect communities. At the same time, critics contend they are overly aggressive and politically motivated.

Adam Schiff claims he has not missed single State of the Union

“I will not be attending the State of the Union. I’ve never missed one,” Schiff said. “I have always gone both to inaugurations and to states of the Union. But we cannot treat this as normal. This is not business as usual.”

He added, “I will not give him the audience he craves for the lies that he tells.”

“I'll be outside the Capitol with Meidas Touch and MoveOn for the people's State of the Union. 8:00 pm Eastern Time on Tuesday,” Schiff said.

Instead of attending the joint session of Congress, Schiff said he will appear outside the Capitol alongside the political group Midas Touch for what is being billed as a “People’s State of the Union.”

The event is scheduled to coincide with Trump’s address on Tuesday evening.

The rally is just one of several counterprogramming efforts Democrats are expected to engage in to protest Trump’s Feb. 24 address, his first State of the Union since returning to office.

Another event called the “State of the Swamp” is planned at the National Press Club at 7 pm that same night, featuring a small group of Democrats

Boycotts of presidential speeches are not unprecedented, though they remain relatively rare.

Lawmakers from both parties have occasionally skipped such events to signal disagreement with a president’s policies or conduct.