Anderson Cooper 360 Sources: Top Dems Will Refuse To Escort Trump Into House Chamber
Feb 25, 2026
Casey, CNN political commentator; Representative Patrick McHenry, U.S. lawmaker; and Caitlin, CNN analyst, discuss the lead-up to the president’s address. They preview tariffs, immigration, Iran, economic messaging, Democratic boycott strategies, and how congressional reactions might shape the night. Tension over unscripted moments and voter concerns about the economy surface throughout.
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Democratic Leaders Use Silent Boycott As Signal
- Democratic leaders planned a partial boycott of the escort committee to show silent defiance.
- Manu Raju reported leaders told members: if you can't restrain yourself, don't show up to avoid divisive outbursts like Al Green's last year.
Mark Kelly Sits Up Front To Show Defiance
- Senator Mark Kelly said he will sit front row to show the president he won't be intimidated after an attempted indictment.
- Kelly explained the president tried to jail him, but he’ll be present to demonstrate resilience.
Michigan Voters Feel Tariff Pain In Daily Life
- In swing-state Michigan voters are focused on tangible economic pain like higher energy bills and tariffs hurting tourism and agriculture.
- Van Jones reported local voters said tariffs and rising costs are tangible factors flipping counties from Biden to Trump.