ISTANBUL

Democratic congressman Gerry Connolly from the state of Virginia announced Tuesday he will boycott US President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, citing “chaos and cruelty” unleashed by the administration.

“Since being elected to Congress, I have never missed a State of the Union address,” Connolly said in a statement. “But we have never seen our democracy so tested. We have never seen our laws, institutions, and the separation of powers so attacked from within,” he said.

Connolly outlined his reasons for the boycott, stating he could not “give audience” to a president whose policies he believes harm Americans and global allies.

He said he is doing it “in solidarity with federal workers and contractors, who have been treated with unspeakable disregard and disrespect by a president and an oligarch billionaire who do not value their public service,” referencing recent mass layoffs and budget cuts.

The congressman also expressed solidarity with veterans who have been denied care, children facing starvation due to aid that is now blocked and Ukrainians abandoned in their fight against Russian aggression. He criticized Trump’s alleged attacks on Medicaid -- a program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to those in need -- social security and independent oversight agencies.

Trump will deliver a high-stakes address to Congress on Tuesday night, focusing on the economy, the war in Ukraine and border security, among other issues.

The speech, set for 9 p.m. Eastern Time (0200GMT Wednesday), marks his first joint address since the beginning of his second term.