Donald Trump Jr mocks Democrats’ plan to boycott dad Donald's presidential inauguration: 'Stay at home'
WASHINGTON, DC: President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration would be an event more than a dozen Democratic politicians are likely to skip, with others still deliberating over their attendance.
For some Democrats, the decision to boycott is seen as an act of resistance, while others cite personal safety and distaste for the event as reasons to abstain, according to Axios.
Donald Trump Jr’s take on Democrats' inauguration boycott
Donald Trump's son Donald Trump Jr weighed in on the brewing controversy with a tweet endorsing the boycott.
“Apparently a large group of Democrat legislators plan to boycott my father’s inauguration, which is great as it will make room for a lot more actual patriots to attend," he wrote.
"They have my complete and total endorsement to stay at home,” Trump Jr added.
Apparently a large group of Democrat legislators plan to boycott my father’s inauguration, which is great as it will make room for a lot more actual patriots to attend. They have my complete and total endorsement to stay at home.
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 14, 2024
Safety and sentiment among Democrats
Concerns about safety also play a significant role in Democrats’ decisions.
Rep Delia Ramirez (D-Ill) expressed unease about attending, saying, “As a Latina, I don’t feel safe coming” given the potential influx of Trump supporters.
Similarly, Rep Ilhan Omar (D-Minn) opted to attend Martin Luther King Jr Day events instead, stating, “Why risk any chaos that might be up here?”
Others cited practical or personal reasons for skipping the event.
Rep Adam Smith (D-Wash) noted that he has attended only two inaugurations during his 28 years in office, suggesting his absence is not a protest but a tradition.
Historical context and lingering tensions on boycotting Donald Trump's inauguration
For many Democrats, memories of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol loom large.
Several lawmakers, including Rep Steve Cohen (D-Tenn) and Rep Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), referenced their experiences during the insurrection as reasons for their boycott.
“I cannot be a part of that spectacle,” said Cohen, recalling being locked in his office during the attack.
Former January 6 Committee Chair Bennie Thompson (D-Miss) summed up his lack of enthusiasm, stating, “For somebody who said he’s going to lock me up, I don’t see the excitement in going to see his inauguration.”
The inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr Day, providing some Democrats an opportunity to focus on alternative celebrations.
Did Republicans boycott Joe Biden's inauguration?
In contrast, Donald Trump himself made history by becoming the fourth president to skip his successor’s inauguration, opting not to attend President Joe Biden's swearing-in in 2021, according to CNN.
"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," the 78-year-old politician wrote on X.
To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021
Among more than a dozen lawmakers who decided to sit out Biden's inauguration included representatives Bob Good (R-Va) and Andy Harris (R-Md).
At the time, a spokesperson for Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that she would not attend the event due to security concerns while Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina cited surgery as the reason behind his absence, as per Newsweek.
Several lawmakers from both parties cited safety or pandemic-related concerns for their absence at Biden’s ceremony.
Republican supporters troll Democrats' plan to boycott Donald Trump's inauguration
As more than a dozen Democratic politicians are reportedly set to boycott Donald Trump's inauguration, supporters of the Republican party trolled the progressives.
One user on X wrote, "Sometimes the trash takes itself out. Let it," and another tweeted, "Democrats boycotting? First time they've voluntarily left a government building without being escorted out. At least the inauguration won't smell like soy and disappointment."
Democrats boycotting? First time they've voluntarily left a government building without being escorted out. At least the inauguration won't smell like soy and disappointment.
— RoastMaster9000 (@RoastM4ster9000) December 14, 2024
"Nobody wants them there. I hope they know they’re doing everyone a huge favor," a netizen commented, while someone remarked, "I hope every Democrat stays home."
Nobody wants them there. I hope they know they’re doing everyone a huge favor.
— JohnRocker (@itsJohnRocker) December 14, 2024
"Sounds like a plan... didn't want the sore faces anyway!" an individual penned, and another opined, "LMAO they actually think anyone cares if they don't show up."
Sounds like a plan...
— Chad Neibert (@cneibert13) December 14, 2024
didn't want the sore faces anyway!
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