Why Skipping Trump’s State of the Union Address Is a Betrayal of Presidential Respect

On Tuesday, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) criticized Democrats who have announced plans to boycott President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, asserting that such actions demonstrate a profound lack of respect for the presidency.

In an interview, Miller-Meeks emphasized her commitment to respecting the office of the president regardless of political affiliation. She noted that she attended every State of the Union address given by President Joe Biden and all joint addresses to Congress during his administration, stating: “I voted for President Trump all three times. So I attended the inauguration ceremonies of President Joe Biden. I attended every single joint address to Congress, State of the Union, that President Biden gave. I was respectful.”

Miller-Meeks contrasted her approach with what she described as a growing pattern of partisan protests by Democrats now that Trump is back in office. At least 20 congressional Democrats have pledged to boycott Trump’s address, opting instead to stage protest events or attend alternative programming during the broadcast.

“The issue is not about politics,” Miller-Meeks said. “You respect the office of the president, regardless of who occupies that office. I may have disagreed with the policies. I didn’t personally attack individuals. But you have your disagreements. That’s what elections are for. But you attend, you be respectful.”

She added that she has not seen such behavior from both sides of the aisle: “I think it goes back to what you learned in kindergarten, and that is the golden rule. You treat other people how you want to be treated.”

The Iowa Republican framed the debate as one of character and civility, urging elected officials to model the conduct they expect from others.