Democratic Congresswomen to Wear Pink in Protest During Trump’s Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dozens of Democratic congresswomen plan to wear pink during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night, signaling their protest against policies they believe are harmful to women and families.

New Mexico Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, confirmed the coordinated effort as a visual manifesto of opposition to Trump’s administration. “Pink is a color of power and protest,” she stated. “It’s time to rev up the opposition and come at Trump loud and clear.”

This speech will mark Trump’s first formal address to Congress in five years. Historically, such addresses have presented opportunities for the opposition party to showcase dissent. During Trump’s first term, Democratic lawmakers often expressed their discontent through vocal objections and political statements with their attire.

In 2020, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi generated headlines by tearing up a copy of Trump’s speech in a dramatic display of protest, and this year, the Democratic Women’s Caucus aims to reclaim that expressive spirit through fashion.

Leger Fernández highlighted the significance of the color choice this year, noting that the group has previously worn white to honor suffragists and emphasize reproductive rights advocacy. “Women have worn pink in opposition to Trump before, and we will do it again,” she remarked.

She raised concerns regarding Trump’s policies, including tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, which she argues could lead to increased living costs, and budget cuts that negatively impact Medicaid, the largest single payer of maternity care in the U.S. “All of those are falling on women’s shoulders especially hard,” she added.

Beyond the visual protest, Democrats plan to bring guests affected directly by Trump’s policies, including union leaders and federal employees impacted by cuts. Unlike previous years, there appears to be no significant movement among Democrats to boycott the address, with lawmakers looking to convey their opposition by remaining present in stark contrast to their Republican counterparts.

“I think it’s important that Trump, my Republican colleagues, and the nation see the faces and the pain that he is inflicting on America and on the services we depend on,” Leger Fernández noted.

Tuesday night’s address, themed “the renewal of the American dream,” is to start at 9 p.m. ET. A CBS News/YouGov poll suggested a lack of public confidence in the administration’s handling of key issues, with only 29% of respondents feeling that inflation was prioritized by Trump.

Following the imposition of new tariffs on key U.S. trading partners, economic apprehension among the public is evident, with nearly 60% of respondents fearing that the levies would raise prices. In his address, Trump is expected to advocate for additional tax cuts, increased border security funding, and proposals to boost domestic energy production.

Democrats have also invited guests who represent the pain of job loss, in direct response to Trump’s decisions. First Lady Melania Trump is hosting several individuals affected by gun violence and other issues as part of her ongoing advocacy efforts.

The Democratic Women’s Caucus, with 96 members, aims to assert their concerns through visibility and powerful imagery. “Women in my district are terrified and are also losing their jobs,” Leger Fernández said. “When a woman loses her job, she loses the ability to care for her family.”