Engel, according to his staff, has not decided what to do for the Trump speech. He may not decide until the day of the address. Other Democrats who have previously angled for prime seats have decided to distance themselves from Trump, whose first month in office has prompted outrage from most congressional Democrats.

“I have no desire to sit on the aisle and shake the president’s hand,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.), who has traditionally positioned himself just off the aisle and leaned over his colleagues to get a moment with the president.

Not this time. He’ll be in the chamber, but far away from the aisle.