Politics
The Complete List of Democrats Skipping Trump’s Inauguration
By Jake Beardslee · December 17, 2024
Rep. Judy Chu (California)
Judy Chu confirmed to Newsweek, “No, I’m not attending the upcoming inauguration. I will be in my district with my constituents for important events marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the second anniversary of a mass shooting in my hometown of Monterey Park.” Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (Texas)
Crockett remarked to Axios, "I don't think that this is a time for celebration. I think that if we had a traditional Republican where there were disagreements, then, yeah, I would most likely be there, I would feel more obligated to be there, especially as a sitting member of Congress. But considering this is also Martin Luther King Day, it just seems like the worst way to spend the day knowing that I would be celebrating someone who really is going to work very hard to tear down the legacy in which literally he lived and died for." Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Rep. Delia Ramirez (Illinois)
Ramirez’s spokesperson told Newsweek she will not attend. Ramirez also told Axios, "I am a brown woman, daughter of immigrants, and I would feel unsafe. And a better way to celebrate MLK—who is the exact opposite of what we're about to get as president – is to be with my community, with my people. Especially as this man, on day one, announces all the horrible things he will do to try to harm the communities I love." U.S. House of Representatives / Wikimedia
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (New Jersey)
Her spokesperson stated that Coleman will instead attend Martin Luther King Jr. Day events on January 20. United States Congress / Wikimedia
Re. Adam Smith (Washington)
A spokesperson explained to Axios that Smith "almost never attends inaugurations. He’s been to two out of eight during his time in office.” US House Office of Photography / Wikimedia
Rep. Steve Cohen (Tennessee)
Cohen cited Trump’s approach to January 6 prisoners, telling Axios: “I cannot be a part of that spectacle.” Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Rep. Deborah Ross (North Carolina)
No specific reason was provided for her absence, per Axios. House Creative Committee / Wikimedia
Rep. Donald Beyer (Virginia)
Beyer’s office simply responded to Axios with “No” when asked about attending. U.S. House of Representatives / Wikimedia
Rep. Kweisi Mfume (Maryland)
Mfume stated he will engage in MLK Day service, telling Axios: "After having spent 15 years back in the '80s and '70s trying to get [MLK Day] to become a national holiday, I, every year, engage in service out of my respect to Dr. King. I work at Our Daily Bread in Baltimore, we feed people there, and I meet with vets every year and I participate in the MLK Day parade. So I won't be going." Josh Morgan-USA TODAY
Rep. Ilhan Omar (Minnesota)
Omar stated directly to Axios: “Oh no, I will not be there… I’ll be home.” Kristie Boyd; U.S. House Office of Photography / Wikimedia
Rep. Sean Casten (Illinois)
Casten’s office confirmed to Axios, “Rep. Casten is not planning to attend President-elect Trump’s inauguration.” Leah Herman, House Creative Services / Wikimedia
Rep.-Elect Lateefah Simon (California)
Simon plans to “be in [her] district celebrating King Day” and will gift her tickets to freshman Republican colleagues, according to Axios. Bay Area Rapid Transit / Wikimedia
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (Massachusetts)
Pressley shared with USA Today, “I’ll be in town with my constituents honoring Dr. King’s legacy. I don’t think being there does that.” U.S. House of Representatives / Wikimedia