David Price Only NC Democratic Congressman to Attend Trump Inauguration

****UPDATE: Congressman David Price released a statement just after 8:30 Tuesday night saying he will attend the inauguration. You can read the full statement from Price at the bottom of this story.****

NC Representatives G.K. Butterfield and Alma Adams both released statements saying they will not be attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration Friday.

Butterfield released his statement on Twitter, saying, “After prayerful consideration, I cannot in good [conscience] attend the inaugural ceremony for President-elect Donald Trump. Considering Mr. Trump’s brand of division & insult, I believe it would be hurtful to my constituents for me to attend the inauguration.”

Butterfield included that he hopes President Trump will, “transform his behavior and lead our nation in a positive direction for all Americans.”

Adams also released her statement via Twitter. She said she believes in democracy and respects the peaceful transition of power, but that she can’t celebrate the inauguration of someone, “who has spoken so horribly about women, minorities and the disabled.”

Adams’ statement also included that she is, “Staying home to continue working toward our priorities and to meet with constituents, many of [whom] are fearful of what lies ahead.”

However, the third Democratic NC representative, David Price, released a statement from his communications director Lawrence Kluttz, and said he hasn’t decided yet whether or not he will attend.

Kluttz said, “Mr. Price is currently engaged in discussions with his family, colleagues, and constituents about how best to express his grave concerns” [about] President-elect Trump’s actions.

But Price has also attended every inauguration since he was elected to Congress in 1986. However, Kluttz said Price does share, “the sense of many of his Democratic colleagues that Donald Trump presents an unprecedented affront to our democratic norms, and the dignity of the Office of the President.”

All major TV networks and Twitter will be airing or live-streaming the inauguration Friday, with opening remarks beginning at 11:30 and the official swearing-in ceremony beginning at noon.

Editor’s Note: Price released a statement after this story was published saying he would attend the inauguration. You can read the full statement below:

“I will attend the Inauguration on January 20 with pride — pride in our country and the values we must uphold, pride in the rule of law — and determined to make certain that no one, including our president, places himself above the law.

“This is not about Donald Trump. Like many of my colleagues, I am appalled by Donald Trump — his evident disregard for democratic values and his willingness to stoke bigotry and the politics of hatred and exclusion. Grave questions about how he got elected and his ties to a foreign power are currently under investigation. I have serious doubts about his intention or willingness to govern within the bounds of our laws and Constitution, and I anticipate that Congress may well need to carry out our constitutional duty to call him to account. That is my main reason for affirming democracy and the rule of law on Friday.

“In addition, I am angered and disgusted by Donald Trump’s personal attacks on my colleague John Lewis, for whose personal and moral courage all Americans should be profoundly grateful. I will be wearing a symbol of my respect for Rep. Lewis and the rule of law on my lapel on Friday — and I look forward to giving a grateful and enthusiastic welcome to Hillary Clinton as well.”

David Price Only NC Democratic Congressman to Attend Trump Inauguration

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

On Air Now: 97.9 FM