State of the Union: Democrats Hold Counter Event

On Tuesday night, President Donald Trump gave his first State of the Union address of his second term. However, a number of Democrats opted to boycott the event, instead participating in a different kind of gathering.

One such event was organized by Defiance.org at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. A notable moment included Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter taking the stage with some unusual companions.

“Tonight, I stand with the Portland Frog Brigade in a fun, radical, and peaceful act of resistance against Trump and his authoritarian agenda!” Dexter announced, as inflatable frogs waved small American flags nearby.

Defiance.org describes itself as a group for Americans willing to take peaceful and lawful actions to protect democracy from perceived threats. They partnered with the Portland Frog Brigade, a group that has criticized ICE and customs enforcement since the previous year.

The Portland Frog Brigade initially formed after an anti-ICE protest, gaining attention when an activist dressed as a frog faced federal law enforcement officers. The brigade’s message revolves around the notion of absurdity, serving as a symbol of resistance and joy, despite ongoing challenges.

Interestingly, this partnership with the Portland Frog Brigade has led to conflicts among associated groups. For instance, Operation Inflation criticized the partnership, claiming that it misappropriated the frog’s symbolism for its own agenda. A spokesperson for Operation Inflation, sporting a red frog costume, cautioned against trusting voices that seem too safe.

There’s a sense that the simpler image of a frog confronting armed officials has been diluted. Meanwhile, others within the activist community have distanced themselves from the brigade, calling them opportunistic.