Democrats Skipping Donald Trump’s Inauguration2025: Full List and Reasons
Democrats Skipping Donald Trump’s Inauguration2025:- More than a dozen House Democrats have announced that they will skip Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. This decision has sparked widespread discussion, with lawmakers citing various reasons for their absence.
Donald Trump’s inauguration is set to mark his second term as president, but the event is not without controversy. Many Democrats are choosing to focus on Martin Luther King Jr. Day events or protesting Trump’s policies and rhetoric. Others point to the January 6 Capitol riot as a pivotal reason for their boycott.
Why Are Democrats Skipping Donald Trump’s Inauguration?
The reasons behind skipping the ceremony vary. While some lawmakers have openly criticized Trump’s presidency, others are prioritizing community events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A few have expressed concerns about safety and the lingering impact of the January 6 riot.
Key Lawmakers Who Will Skip Trump’s Inauguration
Here’s a detailed list of the prominent Democrats who have confirmed they will not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration:
- Judy Chu (California)
Chu plans to remain in her district, participating in events honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and commemorating the second anniversary of the Monterey Park mass shooting. - Delia Ramirez (Illinois)
Ramirez cited safety concerns, stating: “As a daughter of immigrants, I feel unsafe. Spending the day with my community is a better way to celebrate MLK’s legacy.” - Bonnie Watson Coleman (New Jersey)
Coleman will attend local Martin Luther King Jr. Day events rather than the inauguration. - Steve Cohen (Tennessee)
Cohen strongly criticized Trump, saying: “[Trump] plans to pardon January 6 prisoners at his inauguration. I can’t participate in such a spectacle.” - Kweisi Mfume (Maryland)
Mfume emphasized his commitment to MLK Day: “I honor Dr. King every year by engaging in service and participating in parades.” - Jasmine Crockett (Texas)
Crockett believes attending the inauguration is incompatible with celebrating MLK Day. - Veronica Escobar (Texas)
Escobar, who was trapped during the January 6 Capitol riot, said: “That experience shapes my decision to boycott the event.” - Ayanna Pressley (Massachusetts)
Pressley will remain in her district to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
Other Lawmakers Undecided
While several have confirmed their absence, others remain undecided about attending.
- Bennie Thompson (Mississippi): Thompson, a leading figure in the January 6 investigation, expressed doubt: “For someone who targeted me personally, I see no reason to celebrate.”
- Jamie Raskin (Maryland): Raskin stated he’s still considering whether his presence is necessary.
Democrats Planning to Attend Trump’s Inauguration
Not all Democrats are boycotting the event. Some have confirmed their attendance, emphasizing duty and respect for the office of the president.
- Jon Ossoff (Georgia): Ossoff shared his perspective, saying: “Georgians expect me to represent them at this event.”
Controversy Surrounding the Inauguration
The boycott has drawn sharp reactions from Trump supporters. Donald Trump Jr. responded to the Democratic absences on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“A large group of Democrats plans to boycott my father’s inauguration, which is great. It’ll leave more room for actual patriots to attend.”
Outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have confirmed their attendance, emphasizing the peaceful transfer of power as a cornerstone of democracy.