House Dem Leader Hakeem Jeffries Says He Plans to Attend Trump's Speech: 'Dignified Democratic Presence'

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has announced that he intends to attend President Donald Trump's Tuesday night address before a joint session of Congress. The speech, coming less than two months into Trump's second presidential term, is already drawing sharp political divides.

"Given my responsibilities in the House, I plan to attend the speech, along with other members of the Democratic leadership, to make clear to the nation that there is a strong opposition party ready, willing, and able to serve as a check and balance on the excesses of the administration," Jeffries shared in a message to his colleagues.

Jeffries emphasized the importance of maintaining a "strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence" in the chamber. "The House as an institution belongs to the American people, and as their representatives, we will not be run off the block or bullied," he stated. His remarks underscore the tension between Democrats and the administration as some lawmakers have already declared they will boycott the event.

Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her opposition, saying, "The State of the Union is that the President is spitting in the face of the law. He is letting an unelected billionaire fire cancer researchers and wreck federal agencies like the Social Security Administration at will. I won't be attending tomorrow's Joint Address." Murray's fiery tone reflects the growing frustration among some Democrats.

Jeffries, however, urged focus on broader issues. "Our focus remains on driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans and pushing back against the far-right extremism that Republicans have unleashed on the country," he said, rallying his party for what appears to be a contentious political year.

Trump's speeches have historically been lightning rods for controversy. Who can forget when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously tore up Trump's State of the Union speech in 2020? While the former speaker won't be front and center this time, her act remains a vivid reminder of how theatrics often overshadow the substance of these addresses.

As Democrats weigh their attendance, the Tuesday night address is poised to be yet another chapter in the ongoing battle of ideologies in Washington. One thing's for sure: all eyes will be on the House chamber to see just how "dignified" this Democratic presence will be.