In the midst of an unprecedented and apparently effective Russian influence campaign, crazed Republican actions against ethics oversight, un-vetted, unqualified and extremist cabinet nominees, massive conflicts of interest, terrifying commentary ranging from nukes to NATO, the looming destruction of the Affordable Care Act, and relentlessly unhinged Twitter attacks that included civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis on Martin Luther King Day weekend, Donald Trump’s favorability ratings are—surprise!—historically low. A growing number of Democratic members of Congress have followed Rep. Lewis in declining to attend the inauguration.
Over 40 Democratic members of the House of Representatives will not be attending, with no senators joining in thus far (when asked last week, Sen. Bernie Sanders said he will “probably” attend; House minority leader Nancy Pelosi said that witnessing the peaceful transfer of power is “my responsibility”). Many lawmakers credited Trump’s criticism of Rep. Lewis for their decision not to attend—“I respect the office, can’t tolerate disrespect,” Rep. Anthony Brown (D-Md.) tweeted.
Here’s a running list of lawmakers skipping the inauguration with links to their statements, via the Washington Post; we’ve listed them in approximate chronological order. (It is not unusual for a few lawmakers to skip out on the inaugural festivities, but most are citing Trump).
Rep. Katherine M. Clark (D-Mass.)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)
Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.)
Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-Ill.)
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)
Rep. José E. Serrano (D-N.Y.)