Meng to Not Attend Trump Inauguration

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced today that she will not attend President-elect Trump’s inauguration on Friday. The Congresswoman issued the following statement:

“With just days before his inauguration, I had hoped that President-elect Trump would put an end to his inflammatory rhetoric. 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.”