Democrats face a stark choice: attend Trump’s inauguration or boycott the event, revealing deep divisions within the party.
At a Glance
- President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025
- Democrats in Congress are divided on whether to attend the event
- President Joe Biden will attend, but some Democrats are undecided or have chosen not to
- Swing-state Democrats plan to attend, citing it as a responsibility
- Some Democrats plan to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day instead of attending
Democrats Grapple with Inauguration Dilemma
As Donald Trump’s second inauguration approaches, Democrats find themselves in a precarious position. The event, scheduled for January 20, 2025, marks the transition from the Biden administration to Trump’s second term. This transition comes after Trump’s landslide victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, which saw 48 states shift to the right. The Democratic party now faces a crucial decision: attend the inauguration and uphold democratic traditions, or boycott the event in protest of Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
President Joe Biden has confirmed his attendance, setting an example of a peaceful transition of power. However, many Democrats remain undecided or have already chosen not to attend. This division within the party reflects the broader struggle Democrats face in determining how to engage with Trump’s administration moving forward.
Swing-State Democrats Choose Tradition
Some Democrats, particularly those from swing states, have decided to attend the inauguration. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) have publicly stated their intention to be present at the ceremony. Their decision underscores the importance of upholding democratic norms and traditions, even in the face of political disagreement.
Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA), both swing state Democrats, reportedly told USA Today that they plan to attend the ceremony, with both discussing it as a “responsibility.”
This stance by swing-state Democrats highlights the delicate balance they must maintain between representing their constituents and adhering to longstanding political customs. Their attendance may also signal a willingness to work across the aisle in the upcoming administration, despite deep ideological differences.
In contrast, several prominent Democrats have chosen to boycott the inauguration. Representatives Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Judy Chu (D-CA) plan to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day instead of attending the ceremony. This decision echoes the boycott of Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, which saw approximately 60 members of Congress abstain from attending.
“I won’t pretend to normalize who or what he stands for,” Crockett said.
Meanwhile, other Democrats remain undecided about their attendance. Notable figures such as Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Reps. Maxwell Frost (R-FL) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have expressed uncertainty or have yet to make a decision. This indecision reflects the complex nature of the situation and the potential political ramifications of their choice.
“I’m not quite sure what I would be celebrating with his inauguration, I had not gotten to that point yet. Blocked that out,” Raskin said.
Who wants to bet they’ll turn up if only for the attention it’ll get them?
