Statement from Congresswoman Joyce Beatty on Not Attending the State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement on not attending this year's State of the Union address:

"Tonight, I will not attend the State of the Union.

I will not legitimize a presidency rooted in racism and lawlessness, nor will I applaud economic sabotage.

To the people of Ohio's Third District and to Americans across this country: you deserve truth. You deserve accountability. You deserve leadership that protects your rights and your ability to prosper.

Families are already stretched thin: tariffs are squeezing them and small businesses, health care rollbacks threaten coverage for tens of thousands in my district and 15 million nationwide, all while billionaires receive tax breaks.

Additionally, democracy and the rule of law are under attack. President Trump continues to try to federalize elections, creating new barriers to voting rights for married women, seniors, servicemembers, and millions of other eligible voters.

I will not normalize defiance of the Constitution. When an administration operates in lies and lawlessness, denounces Supreme Court rulings, and undermines checks and balances, it threatens our democracy at its foundation.

Finally, the State of the Union is not strong, despite the lies you will hear tonight. I will not sit for applause lines that do not match reality, when families cannot afford groceries, health care is stripped away, and fear becomes public policy."