People-powered event counters Trump’s State of the Union by lifting up everyday Americans struggling while billionaires thrive

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans prepare to tout an economy rigged for the wealthy in the upcoming State of the Union, Families Over Billionaires (formerly Fair Share America) will host a nationally visible, people-powered town hall to elevate the real conditions facing families across the country.

“State(s) of the Union: For the People, Not Billionaires” will take place on Monday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m. ET at Eastern Market in Washington, D.C., bringing together everyday Americans to share firsthand stories about the true state of the nation. The event will be livestreamed and open to the press.

As the Trump Administration completes its first year, this pre-State of the Union town hall will predate and directly counter the President’s claims—exposing the depth and breadth of resistance to policies that benefit billionaires while everyday families struggle with rising costs, shrinking opportunities, and growing inequality.

“The real State of the Union isn’t found in Donald Trump’s scripted speech—it’s found in the lived experiences of people who are being hurt by decisions in Washington that prioritize the wealthy over everyone else,” said Kristen Crowell, Executive Director of Families Over Billionaires, who will moderate the event.

Event Details

What: State(s) of the Union: For the People, Not Billionaires
When: Monday, February 23, 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.
Format: Town hall-style, in-the-round conversation
Attendance:

• Approximately 20 storytellers traveling in from states across the country
• Several elected guest speakers

Access: Livestreamed and open press

Stories Reflecting the Real State(s) of the Union

Participants will share lived experiences that reflect the consequences of federal policies championed by Trump and Congressional Republicans, including:

• Health Care: Medicaid cuts, ACA premium spikes, and clinic closures
• Food Security: Loss of SNAP dollars and cuts to school meal programs
• Child Care: Funding freezes, job losses, and center closures
• Special Education: Reduced IDEA supports for students with disabilities
• Clean Energy: Cuts to renewables while energy costs rise

At a moment when Washington continues to cater to billionaires and corporations, Fair Share America’s “State(s) of the Union” will make clear: the people see what’s happening—and they are demanding accountability and solutions.

Event Co-Sponsors (in progress):

Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Americans for Tax Fairness

Battleground Alliance

Economic Security Project

Main Street Alliance

MoveOn

National Women’s Law Center

Peoples Action Institute

Responsible Wealth, Project of United for a Fair Economy (UFE)

Unrig Our Economy

Tax The Greedy Billionaires

For press credentials or more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

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Families Over Billionaires is at the forefront of the fight to take on the billionaire class and rewrite the rules of our tax laws so that working people can build good lives with dignity and stability. Learn more on our website: www.familiesoverbillionaires.org.