Donald Trump Jr mocks Democrats’ plan to boycott dad Donald's presidential inauguration: 'Stay at home'

Some Democrats are planning alternatives while others are taking a stand on why they will boycott Donald Trump's inauguration
UPDATED DEC 15, 2024
Donald Trump Jr weighed in on Democrats' plan to boycott Donald Trump's second inauguration as president (Getty Images)
Donald Trump Jr weighed in on Democrats' plan to boycott Donald Trump's second inauguration as president (Getty Images)

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.


WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: (L-R) U.S. President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible and his son Barron Trump looks on, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today's inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible and his son Barron Trump looks on, on the West Front of the US Capitol on January 20, 2017, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

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.



 

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


WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Donald Trump (L) waves to supporters as he walks the parade route with first lady Melania Trump during the Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Donald J. Trump was sworn in today as the 45th president of the United States. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Donald Trump waves to supporters as he walks the parade route with first lady Melania Trump during the Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2017, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

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.



 

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.


WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: US President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in as his wife Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States. (Photo by Saul Loeb - Pool/Getty Images)
Joe Biden is sworn in as his wife Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol on January 20, 2021, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

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."



 



 

"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."



 



 

"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."



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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