The discussions among roughly a dozen House Democrats highlight deep divisions within the party over how to express opposition to Trump’s policies and rhetoric. While Democratic leadership has encouraged members to bring guests who have been negatively impacted by Trump’s policies, a more vocal faction is advocating for more direct and potentially disruptive actions.

One House Democrat, speaking anonymously to Axios, emphasized that members agree on one central point: “This is not business as usual, and we would like to find a way—productively—to express our outrage.” However, there remains significant debate over what form that protest should take.

Among the ideas circulating within Democratic circles are visible walkouts, in which members would leave the chamber at specific moments if Trump says something particularly controversial. One topic that has been flagged as a potential trigger for such a protest is any criticism of transgender children.

In addition to possible walkouts, there have been discussions about using props to send a message during the speech. Some Democrats have suggested holding up signs with anti-Trump messages, similar to how Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) displayed a sign that read “war criminal” during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s congressional address last year.

Other props under consideration include empty egg cartons to symbolize the impact of inflation on food prices, particularly the rising cost of eggs. Some lawmakers have floated the idea of carrying pocket-sized copies of the Constitution to highlight what they see as Trump’s disregard for constitutional norms. Additionally, Democrats have discussed the use of hand clappers, red cards—like those used at soccer matches to signify a penalty—or other visual cues to express dissent.

Despite these discussions, Democratic leaders have reportedly advised against the use of props in closed-door meetings and on the House floor. Two Democratic lawmakers told Axios that members were cautioned against bringing such items into the chamber, as they could create a spectacle that might ultimately work against them politically.

The question of how aggressive their protest should be has divided Democrats, particularly as members weigh feedback from their constituents. Some representatives report that their constituents are eager for them to take a bold stand against Trump, including actions that would disrupt his speech. Others, however, worry that such protests could backfire, playing into Trump’s hands and reinforcing his narrative of Democratic obstructionism.

“There are definitely a lot of constituents that really want Democrats to disrupt,” one House Democrat told Axios. “And there are … constituents who feel like that just plays into his hands.”

Some Democrats are planning a more subtle form of protest by coordinating their attire. The Democratic Women’s Caucus is urging its members to wear pink as a symbolic gesture of opposition to Trump. Meanwhile, members of the Congressional Black Caucus have discussed wearing black to reflect what they describe as the party’s somber mood.

Another group of lawmakers, particularly those involved in the Ukraine Caucus, plan to wear blue and yellow ties or scarves to express solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), co-chair of the Ukraine Caucus, will be distributing the accessories to her colleagues.

Others plan to engage in a silent protest by sitting stone-faced and refusing to applaud at any point during the speech. This approach is a longstanding tradition in congressional politics, with opposition parties often using it to register their disapproval of the sitting president’s remarks.

In a letter to House Democrats, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) urged members to attend the speech and serve as a visible counterweight to Trump’s agenda. “We will make clear to the nation that there is a strong opposition party ready, willing, and able to serve as a check and balance,” Jeffries wrote.

That said, Jeffries acknowledged that some members might choose to boycott the speech entirely, and he indicated that leadership would respect those decisions. However, he emphasized that the Democratic presence in the chamber should remain “strong, determined, and dignified.”

House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) reinforced that message, telling Axios that leadership is advising members to focus their response on issues affecting their constituents. “Our priority is keeping the focus on the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of the American people,” Aguilar said.

Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) echoed the sentiment, stating that the various forms of protest—whether through attire, silent resistance, or other gestures—would send a unified message of discontent. “Whether we are wearing pink, or black, or yellow and blue, we are all conveying our displeasure with this administration,” Plaskett said.

She added that beyond symbolic protests, the most important objective for Democrats should be maintaining pressure on congressional Republicans to take meaningful action against Trump’s policies. “What’s more important is our work together and the pressure for three Republicans to do the right thing for everyone,” she said.

As Tuesday’s speech approaches, it remains to be seen which—if any—of these protest strategies will materialize. What is clear, however, is that Democrats are determined to use the moment to make a statement, ensuring that their opposition to Trump’s administration is on full display for the American public.