President-elect Donald J. Trump’s remarks about civil rights icon and Georgia Congressman John Lewis serve as one of the reasons why numerous Democratic representatives will not attend his inauguration on Friday.
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers have announced they will not be a part of the ceremony, The New York Times reported.
On Jan. 13, during an exclusive interview with NBC news’ “Meet the Press,†Lewis said Trump is not a “legitimate president†and he plans to boycott the inauguration. Lewis also thinks Russians manipulated the outcome of the 2016 election.
“I think the Russians participated in helping this man get elected and they helped destroy the candidacy of Hillary Clinton,†Lewis said on “Meet the Press.â€
Lewis’ comments caused Trump to retaliate via Twitter.
“Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape, rather than falsely complaining about election results,†Trump tweeted. “All talk, talk, talk - no actions or results. Sad!â€
On Monday at the historic Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen criticized Trump’s actions and announced his decision to not attend the inauguration.
“When you are for evil, killing, stopping democracy and stopping people who speak out, you are not a great leader. You are an evil leader,†Cohen said in a statement released on Monday.
The democratic congressman also criticized Trump’s comments about President Barack Obama among others.
“Eight years ago, Barack Obama became the first African-American President of the United States,†Cohen said in the statement. “His campaign was based on hope and change. But at this time in our history, hope and change have unfortunately become fear and dread. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream is turning into a nightmare.â€
Congressman Cohen made the statement at the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech and announced he would not be attending the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States of America.
“He has not exhibited the characteristics or the values that we hold dear,†Cohen said in the statement. “When he questioned the integrity of my friend and colleague, John Lewis, that crossed the Rubicon.â€
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