A Bold Statement in Pink: Democratic Congresswomen’s Protest During Trump’s Address
A collective of Democratic congresswomen is preparing to don pink attire during President Donald Trump’s upcoming Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday evening. This coordinated effort is aimed at expressing their dissent against his policies.
Teresa Leger Fernández, the New Mexico representative and chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, shared with TIME on Monday that the choice of pink is a deliberate statement meant to “signal our protest against Trump’s policies that negatively impact women and families.”
“Pink represents power and protest,” she emphasized in an interview. “It’s time to raise our voices and send a strong message to Trump.”
This event marks Trump’s first formal address to Congress in five years. Historically, such significant speeches offer the opposing party a chance to voice their dissent toward the current president. During Trump’s first term, Democratic lawmakers were vocal in their opposition—some booed, others staged walkouts, and many employed their fashion choices to convey political messages. Notably, during Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi made headlines by tearing up a copy of his speech while seated just behind him.
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The Democratic Women’s Caucus, which consists of 96 members, has a longstanding tradition of utilizing fashion as a form of protest. In previous years, they wore white to pay tribute to suffragists who fought for women’s voting rights and donned black attire during the last State of the Union to advocate for reproductive freedom. This year, they have chosen pink to mark a significant moment in American political discourse.
“Women have worn pink in opposition to Trump in the past, and we are ready to do it again,” Leger Fernández stated.
Andrew Harrer–Bloomberg via Getty Images
Leger Fernández pointed out various concerns related to the Trump Administration, including tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico that could raise prices and proposed budget cuts to Medicaid, which serves as the primary payer for maternity care in the U.S., covering over 40% of births. She argued that Trump’s policies, particularly those affecting reproductive health and social programs, disproportionately impact women, especially those from lower-income backgrounds.
“These pressures weigh heavily on women,” Leger Fernández explained. “Women in my district are anxious and losing their jobs due to chaotic layoffs. When a woman loses her job, it threatens her ability to support her family.”
Beyond the symbolism of their attire, Democrats are eager to use the address as an opportunity to highlight the real-life consequences of Trump’s policies. Many lawmakers intend to bring guests who have been directly affected by the administration’s actions, including union representatives, federal employees who have faced budget cuts, and others impacted by government funding halts.
Unlike in previous years, there doesn’t appear to be a widespread push among Democrats to boycott the address. Instead, many lawmakers wish to be visibly present, contrasting their silence with the applause from Republican members, thereby showcasing their dissent.
“It’s vital for Trump, my Republican colleagues, and the nation to witness the faces and struggles he is causing across America and to the essential services we all depend on,” Leger Fernández concluded.
