Ocasio-Cortez boycotts State of the Union address, says she refuses to 'normalize' Trump's conduct

Firebrand socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) announced just hours ahead of the State of the Union address that she was boycotting the speech to avoid normalizing the president's conduct.

She made the announcement from her official social media account.

"After much deliberation, I have decided that I will not use my presence at a state ceremony to normalize Trump's lawless conduct & subversion of the Constitution," Ocasio-Cortez said.

"None of this is normal, and I will not legitimize it," she added. "Consequently, I will not be attending the State of the Union."

She went on in a second tweet to say that she would answer her constituents' questions about the address via an Instagram Live broadcast.

"This is a deeply personal decision for each member to make, and a choice I did not take lightly," she added.

The address will be the second time a president will give the speech after being impeached, but before the vote of the Senate trial for removal is made. Bill Clinton was the first president to face the same circumstances in 1999.

Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) also indicated on Tuesday that they were refusing to attend the address.

"To think that I would attend the #SOTU to hear the message of an IMPEACHED president is a thought that in no way would be consistent w/ my fight and struggle against this dishonorable president," tweeted Waters. "I will certainly NOT be there!"

"The State of the Union is hurting because of the occupant of the White House, who consistently demonstrates contempt for the American people, contempt for Congress & contempt for our constitution. I cannot in good conscience attend tonight's sham," tweeted Pressley.

At least six other Democrats indicated that they were refusing to attend the speech.

The president is expected to be acquitted Wednesday of the articles of impeachment by Republicans in the Senate.

Here's more about the address:

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