Overview
- Dozens of Democratic lawmakers joined the outdoor 'People’s State of the Union' on the National Mall, a three‑plus‑hour MoveOn/MeidasTouch rally that amassed more than 300,000 livestream views.
- A separate 'State of the Swamp' at the National Press Club, organized by Defiance.org and partners, featured Robert De Niro and served as a live public rebuttal with speeches, satire and performance.
- Countermessages focused on releasing Epstein‑related files, opposition to ICE and current immigration enforcement, and affordability and tariffs, with frog‑themed attire promoted as a symbol of peaceful defiance.
- Events saw brief disruptions, including a Trump supporter rushing the stage during Sen. Chris Murphy’s remarks before being escorted away by organizers.
- Conservative officials and commentators mocked the counterprogramming, with Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders calling the visuals 'normal vs crazy' as Republicans blasted Democrats for skipping the House address.