LIST: Democrats in Congress who are skipping Donald Trump's inauguration
WASHINGTON -- Dozens of Democratic members of Congress have publicly announced they're not going to attend Donald Trump's inauguration Friday.
Some of the representatives made their intentions clear over the last few weeks, but others have come forward after Trump lashed out at Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) after Lewis said he didn't view Trump as "a legitimate president."
See the list below of those who said they're not going (currently more than two dozen):
1. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-IL
He made a speech on the House floor January 10: "I could not look at my wife, my daughters or my grandson in the eye if I sat there and attended as if everything that candidate Donald Trump had said about The women, about The Latinos, or The Blacks, The Muslims or any of the other things he said in his speeches and Tweets - that any of that is OK or erased from my memory." Click here to read more about his decision.
2. Rep. Katherine Clark, D-MA
She posted her statement on social media January 5, saying: "After discussions with hundreds of my constituents, I do not feel that I can contribute to the normalization of the President-elect's divisive rhetoric by participating in the inauguration."
3. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-CA
She posted a statement January 12, saying: "Inauguration should be a celebration. But we have nothing to celebrate on Jan 20. Instead of attending, I will be organizing."
4. Rep. John Lewis, D-GA
He made the announcement in an interview for NBC's "Meet the Press" on January 13.
5. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-CA
In a Facebook post on January 7, he said: "I do accept the election results and support the peaceful transfer of power, but it is abundantly clear to me that with Donald Trump as our President, the United States is entering a dark and very dangerous political chapter."
6. Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-MO
In an email statement to ABC News, spokesman Steven Englehardt said: "He will be home in St. Louis, speaking to school children. Not boycotting, just making a choice to spend time with his constituents."
7. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-NY
She posted on January 9 that she will not attend the inauguration and instead take part in the Women's March.
8. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-AZ
He made a speech on the House floor January 13, saying he's not going to attend:
9. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-OR
He posted a statement on social media January 7, saying: "I will forgo the inauguration, spending the day instead in my district talking with Oregonians to hear their priorities, try to answer their questions, and prepare for the coming assault on the values and programs we hold dear. It is hard to think of a better use of my time on January 20th."
10. Rep. Mark Takano, D-CA
He posted a message on social media January 14 saying he won't attend. He said it was in support for Rep. Lewis:
11. Rep. Jose Serrano, D-NY
He posted on social media January 12, saying he will not be at the inauguration:
12. Mark DeSaulnier, D-CA
He announced on January 14 that he decided against going to the event:
13. Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-NY
She posted on social media on January 14 saying she won't go because of the way Trump insulted Rep. Lewis:
14. Rep. John Conyers, D-MI
"No, he will not be attending," a spokesman said in email to ABC News.
15. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-CA
He posted a statement on his website on January 14, saying: "For me, the personal decision not to attend Inauguration is quite simple: Do I stand with Donald Trump, or do I stand with John Lewis? I am standing with John Lewis." Read the full statement here.
16. Rep. Judy Chu, D-DA
She posted on social media on January 14, saying she won't attend because she's supporting Rep. Lewis:
17. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-CA
She posted on social media January 15 that she was never planning to attend:
18. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-WI
In a statement to ABC News, he said: "I was planning on attending the Inauguration on Friday out of respect for the office of President, while still making it back home on Saturday to attend the Women's March in Madison. However, after long consideration based on reading the Classified document on Russian hacking and the Trump candidacy on Thursday, the handling of his conflicts of interest, and this weekend's offensive tweets about a national hero Rep. John Lewis, I am no longer attending the event. At minimum, it's time for Donald Trump to start acting like President Trump, not an immature, undignified reality star with questionable friends and a Twitter addiction. I hope for better, but will not hold my breath."
19. Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-OH
Instead of going to the inauguration, she said on January 15 she will be home in Cleveland:
20. Rep Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-NJ
She announced on January 15 that she's not going to the inauguration. She's instead going to a prayer vigil in New Jersey:
21. Rep. Pramila Jayapal D-WA
She posted a news release on her website on January 15, saying: "I had hoped in the days following the election that we would see a President-elect who broke from his campaign rhetoric and worked to unite the American people. Instead, we have seen this President-elect continue to use language and take actions that demean our history and our heroes, and undermine our democracy." Click here to read the full statement.
22. Adriano Espaillat, D-NY
He posted a brief statement to social media on January 15, saying he's not going:
23. Rep. Adam Smith, D-WA
He issue a statement to ABC News on January 15, saying: "As the House of Representatives is not in session the week of Inauguration, Congressman Smith will spend the District Work Period at home in Washington state meeting with his constituents."
24. Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-OR
His office confirmed to ABC News on January 15 that he will not be attending.
25. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-OR
He issued a statement to ABC News on January 15, saying: "I will be in Oregon this week, meeting with my constituents and discussing their priorities for the year. I usually do not attend presidential inauguration ceremonies, and as a general rule try to avoid pomp and circumstance events in Washington."
26. Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-NY
His office confirmed to ABC News that he will not be attending. On CNN, he said: "The rhetoric and actions of Donald Trump have been so far beyond the pale -- so disturbing and disheartening -- and his continued failure to address his conflicts of interest, to adequately divest or even to fully disclose his financial dealings, or to sufficiently separate himself from the ethical misconduct that legal experts on both side of the aisle have identified have been so offensive I cannot in good conscience participate in this honored and revered democratic tradition of the peaceful transfer of power."
27. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allardm, D-CA
She issued a statement to ABC News, saying: "I thought long and hard about attending the Inauguration because I value our democracy and respect the office of the presidency, regardless of party. However, the disparaging remarks the President-elect has made about many groups, including women, Mexicans, and Muslims, are deeply contrary to my values. As a result, I will not be attending the Inauguration. For the sake of our nation, and a world which looks to America for moral leadership, I hope the President-elect will change the tone of his rhetoric, and govern responsibly, respectfully, and compassionately, in accordance with our American values."
28. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-FL
A spokesperson told ABC News she will not be attending the inauguration, and will instead be at a wedding.
29. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-TN
He announced that he was not going to attend, while at the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s final speech on MLK Day. He said: "I had a decision to make on whether or not to attend the inauguration. I would love to attend the inauguration. I am a member of Congress through the votes of my constituents. I value our government. I appreciate it greatly. But this president 'semi-elect' does not deserve to be President of the United States. He has not exhibited the characteristics or the values that we hold dear. That Dr. King held dear. That John Lewis holds dear. And when he questioned the integrity of my friend, colleague and civil rights icon John Lewis, that crossed the Rubicon. I sat on the floor of the House of Representatives with John Lewis to protest the inability of the Republican Congress to give us a vote on gun violence. I sat with John Lewis then. And I will stand with John Lewis now. Therefore, I will not be attending the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States of America this week."
Watch his announcement here:
30. Rep. Dwight Evans, D-PA
He announced on social media on January 16 that he's not going to attend:
31. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-MN
He posted on social media on January 16 that he will not attend:
32. Rep. Don Beyer, D-VA
He posted on social media the speech he gave to constituents on January 16, saying he will not be in DC for the inauguration:
33. Rep. Anthony Brown, D-MD
He posted his full reasoning for not attending on his Facebook page on January 16:
34. Rep Chellie Pingree, D-ME
She posted a statement on her website on January 16 explaining why she will not attend the inauguration. "I fully accept the outcome of this presidential election. And, under normal circumstances, I would have no question at all about participating in this important ceremony, whatever party the incoming President was from. But these are not normal circumstances. Throughout the election, Donald Trump proved so, making disparaging comments about everyone from women to minorities to the disabled. But what he's done since the election goes to another level." Click here to read the full statement.
35. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-KY
He posted a statement on social media on January 16, saying: "I will not be attending the inauguration because I believe the office of the President deserves our respect, and that respect must begin with the President-elect himself."
36. Rep. Darren Soto, D-FL
He told ABC affiliate, WFTV, that he will not attend the inauguration. "I am deeply disappointed with Trump's attacks against civil rights hero John Lewis and will not be attending the inauguration as a result."
37. Rep. Al Green, D-TX
He posted a statement on his website on January 16, saying he will not attend the inauguration: "I will not attend the inauguration because conscience says it is the right thing to do." Click here to read the full statement.
38. Rep Brendan Boyle, D-PA
He posted a message on social media on January 16, saying: "The election of Donald Trump presents a challenge to my long held view of presidential inaugurations. As much as I cherish this day, can I in good conscience celebrate that which I believe is a grave mistake? Can I sit by mere yards away and applaud the desecration of the most important office in the history of the world? After wrestling with this question for the last two months, I have concluded I cannot participate in this Inaugural celebration." Click here to read his full statement.
39. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-CA
She released a statement to ABC News, saying: "It's no secret I'm not going but I don't mean to make it a cause célbre. I think the President-elect is beyond normal in terms of an incoming President. I acknowledge the fact that he is the incoming President, but I'm not in the mood to celebrate that fact."
40. Rep. Karen Bass, D-CA
A spokesperson confirms to ABC News that she will not be attending, after launching a social media poll.
41. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-AZ
He posted on social media on January 17, saying he will not be at the inauguration:
42. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-NH
She issued a statement to ABC News, saying: "Instead of going to the Inauguration, I will go to religious services and pray for all of our country's leaders and our people. Then, I will go to work to serve the people of my district."
43. Rep. GK Butterfield, D-NC
He issued a statement on social media on January 17, saying: "Considering Mr. Trump's brand of division & insult, I believe it would be hurtful to my constituents for me to attend the inauguration."
44. Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-CA
A spokesperson confirmed this statement he made the Desert Sun: "A real president doesn't attack the press because they ask tough questions. A real president doesn't insult and bully celebrities or everyday Americans because they disagree with him."
45. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-TX
He posted a statement on his website on January 17, saying: "I will not attend this year's inauguration ceremony. However, I will be in Washington to greet constituents who are traveling to our nation's capital for the proceedings. I respect their choice to attend." Click here to read the full statement.
46. Rep. Alma Adams, D-NC
She posted a statement on social media on January 17, saying she will not be attending:
47. Rep Juan Vargas, D-CA
He posted a statement on social media on January 17, saying he will instead be praying:
48. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-CA
He posted a statement on his website, saying: "I will not be attending the inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump on January 20th. Instead, I will be in my district serving my constituents, as I was elected to do." Click here to read the full statement.
49. Rep Mike Doyle, D-PA
He posted on social media on January 17 that he's siding with Rep. Lewis and will not attend:
50. Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-CA
A spokesperson told ABC News: "She will not be attending the inauguration. The Congresswoman respects the office of the presidency, however she has been alarmed by what Mr. Trump said and continues to say about Latinos and other minorities, and she is outraged by his recent attacks on her colleague, Congressman John Lewis. The Congresswoman plans to attend a previously scheduled laborers training school event in Azusa on Friday and the retirement dinner for Glendora's police chief on Saturday. She will also be holding meetings with constituents, many of whom share her concerns regarding the incoming administration, to discuss veterans' issues, mental health, water conservation/drought, and labor issues. If her schedule permits, she is strongly considering participating in the women's march in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday."
51. Rep Tony Cardenas (D-CA)
He posted on social media on January 17 that he's not attending the inauguration: "This week I've been thinking a lot about what my parents, family, and constituents would say about the situation I'm facing. After serious consideration, I have decided that I will not stand with Donald Trump during his ceremonial inauguration." Read his full statement here.
52. Lloyd Doggett, D-TX
He posted a statement on social media on January 17 confirming he will not attend:
53. Alcee Hastings, D-FL
He posted a statement on his website on January 17 saying he's boycotting the inauguration: "I have decided to boycott the Inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and remain in my Congressional district in Florida. This decision is not a protest of the results of the Electoral College, but rather, an objection to the demagoguery that continues to define the incoming administration." Click here to read the full statement.
54. Rep Louise Slaughter (D-NY) 1/17
She posted a statement on her website saying she will stand with Congressman John Lewis in not attending the inauguration. Click here to read the full statement.
55. Rep Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
56. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.)
"I will not celebrate (Trump's" swearing-in to an office that he has proven unfit to hold," Payne said in a statement.
57. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.)
58. Rep Gerry Connolly (D- VA)
"After long reflection I have decided that I cannot attend the inauguration of Donald J Trump on Friday," he said in a statement. "His behavior and harmful words during and after the campaign have left the country I love with open, bleeding wounds. Instead of binding those wounds, he has poured salt on them. Instead of unifying us, he has reveled in driving wedges between us."
59. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
60. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY)
"With just days before his inauguration, I had hoped that President-elect Trump would put an end to his inflammatory rhetoric," she said. "But obviously that pivot has not occurred. I have heard from many constituents and I thought long and hard about this decision. I respect the office of the President and our nation's peaceful transfer of power. But the President-elect must get the message that his antagonistic and divisive comments are unacceptable. We cannot tolerate attacks on women, minorities or a civil rights icon. We need a leader who will bring our country together, and live up to the dignity and honor of the Oval Office. I look forward to welcoming constituents who travel to Washington, D.C. for this weekend's festivities, and to engaging the new Administration in policy discussions once it has been finalized. I will work with Mr. Trump whenever possible, but this weekend I march."
61. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-TX
She released a statement about her decision about the inauguration.
"As a person of faith, I wish President-elect Donald Trump nothing but the best as he becomes the Commander-in- Chief of our nation.
On November 8th 2016, many of us were deeply wounded and it was a very difficult time. For me, the concern was for so many of my constituents who had worked so hard for a different result; and the many young people who were for the first time engaged in the democratic process that were seemingly so disappointed. They were looking for hope.
After the election, although still very concerned, I was willing to give the President-elect the appropriate time, as he moved through his transition, to address the American people with a message of unity. Unfortunately, the transition was not as smooth as I believe many of us, as Americans, would have wanted it to be. The call for unity and the embracing of all Americans simply did not come. The moments of attack continued. However, many of us still continued to listen.
As a senior Member of the Homeland Security Committee and Ranking Member on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Homeland Security, Terrorism, and Investigations, I take national security very seriously. I was appointed to the Homeland Security Committee in the aftermath of the heinous, murderous, and horrific terrorist attack on September 9, 2011. The intelligence community is part of my day to day work.
In the midst of moving toward the inauguration, stark, provocative, sobering, and difficult facts came to our attention. All of America's intelligence agencies confirmed the detrimental cyber-attack by high Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, to steer the election toward one candidate, Mr. Trump, and away from the other candidate. Rather than accept their report, President-elect Trump chose to make a full force attack on the brave men and women serving in our intelligence community and disparaged their commitment to serving our nation. There are moments in a public official's life that you always put country over self. That did not happen and the disappointment was piercing.
As a Member of the Judiciary committee, one of my proudest moments was the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But an even prouder moment was the enormous number of votes the legislation received from both Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate. And when all the Members went to the White House for the signing of the legislation by a sitting Republican President, we celebrated America's love affair with the precious right to vote. President George W. Bush signed that legislation into law only to now come to 2016 to face huge examples across the nation of voter suppression in this election with newly minted laws that suppressed the voting rights of so many Americans and particularly many in minority communities. The President-elect gave these voting abuses no credence.
Further, the President Elect has every right to select his or her cabinet. However, it is very difficult when his choice for the nation's highest law enforcement officer, who is supposed to be the arm of justice for the most vulnerable in our nation, and that person holds consistent positions against civil rights and against voting rights.
So, I deliberated on my decision over a period of time. I am not boycotting this ceremonial inaugural event. I have decided in good conscience I cannot go! John Lewis, a man who bled for freedom made his choice and made his decision without rancor or hysteria. But that was not the tone of the response he received; and John did not call for any boycott! This is not a boycott! This is an act of conscience! The President-elect could not refrain from a full-fledged personal attack on Congressman John Lewis. He failed to offer even a small olive branch.
The State of the Union will be the President's first message directly to Congress and the American people on how he will lead - that I will attend - and I am committed to working for my constituents and all of the American people. I hope the new President will do the same!
So my principles revolving around justice and fairness, an unfettered election, the duty that I have to the national security community and the recognition of the provocative and criminal intrusion by the Russians into our election causes me to be reflective on January 20.
Finally, I did enjoy greeting my constituents as they came to the inauguration. But as so many Americans, I will be waiting on that olive branch to be extended to all of us by this President; thereby giving us an opportunity to heal, to mend, and for him to recognize that Americans have very similar aspirations and values, and to remember that those who did not vote for the ultimate victor still deserve dignity and respect in this country!"
62. Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-IL
He said is not attending for personal reasons, and not boycotting the inauguration, per a spokesman.
63. Rep. Michael Capuano, D-MA
He will be holding an open house in his District office instead.
64. Rep. Donald McEachin, D-VA
He made the following statement about the inauguration:
"I have never seen a campaign that was based so much on hatred. I have never seen a campaign where a foreign power intervened to get one candidate elected and where the candidate did not even acknowledge, let alone condemn this behavior. I'm not sure what there is to celebrate.
"The continued hatred and insults even long after the campaign is over, is unacceptable. He should have begun to bring people together the day after the election, and he has not started yet. I have a train ticket, but unfortunately, it has come to this.
"The comments about John Lewis were just the final example. He insults and denigrates a man who is a true hero, who has dedicated his life to civil rights, human rights and equal justice, who has shed blood for these values.
"I simply cannot participate in this celebration of pomp, pageantry and parade.
"The train ticket will go unused. Instead I will be in the district, as I have been all week, interacting with constituents and the community. On Friday morning, I will be with the Governor and the National Park Service to announce their grant to Third Street Bethel AME Church. As I have said repeatedly during the campaign, my focus is on my constituents."
65. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-AL
66. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-IL
A spokesperson from Quigley's office said he will not be attending and will be doing a day of service in his district.
"Rep. Quigley fully supports the peaceful transfer of power, but has chosen to spend the district work week with those who have elected him to represent them in Congress. Once President-Elect Trump is sworn into office, Rep. Quigley stands ready to work with him on bipartisan issues in which they can find common ground, but will also continue to hold the President-Elect accountable in areas where he tries to roll back progress for hardworking Chicagoans."
67. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-TX
