Massachusetts Lawmakers Divided Over Trump’s Second Inauguration

WASHINGTON — As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second inauguration on Monday, Massachusetts‘ all-Democratic congressional delegation is divided over whether to attend the ceremony. While most lawmakers plan to be present, citing the importance of the peaceful transfer of power, three representatives have opted out, citing concerns over Trump’s policies and rhetoric.

Senator Ed Markey will skip the event to attend a Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast, while Representatives Bill Keating and Ayanna Pressley have also declined to attend. Keating, who attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, said he could not condone Trump’s promise to pardon those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Pressley plans to spend the weekend in her district, focusing on community events that honor Dr. King’s legacy.

Representative Jake Auchincloss, however, emphasized the significance of upholding democratic traditions. “I plan to attend as a mark of respect for the great American tradition of the peaceful transfer of power,” Auchincloss told CNN. “The largest city in my district, Fall River, voted for Donald Trump. I owe those constituents representation at that monumental event.”

Other lawmakers, including Representatives Stephen Lynch, Jim McGovern, Seth Moulton, Richard Neal, and Lori Trahan, have also confirmed their attendance. Representative Katherine Clark, who skipped Trump’s first inauguration, will attend this time, according to her office.

The inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday, adding a layer of complexity to the decision-making process for many lawmakers. Trump’s second inauguration comes after a contentious election cycle and ongoing debates over his policies, including his stance on social media regulation and national security.

Auchincloss, a member of the House Select Committee on China, reiterated his support for banning TikTok unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform. “Americans deserve better social media,” he said. “We’ve got to take on not just Chinese communist power, but also American corporate power.”

As the nation prepares for the inauguration, the divide among Massachusetts lawmakers reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party and the country as a whole.