Staff Reports
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his triumphal return to the White House, many House Democrats are steering clear of the event, preferring instead to practice a different kind of chaos management. One of the most notable dismissals comes from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, who has decided that attending the inauguration isn’t on her agenda. AOC, who has managed to tone down her progressive rhetoric just enough to make some moderate friends, will be giving Trump’s big day a hard pass, citing “safety and logistical chaos” as her primary concerns. Ironically, it seems chaos is where Ocasio-Cortez feels most at home.
In a move that can only be described as a Democratic game of “not it,” she isn’t alone in this political vanishing act. Seven of her colleagues are also skipping the event, each armed with a unique excuse ranging from honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. to a simple disdain for Trump himself. Rep. Sean Casten from Illinois declared his love for the presidential office but took the opportunity to roast Trump, implying that the only legacy being debased is his own fleeting grasp on the responsibilities of the presidency.
Pretty sure…..she won't be missed AND I THANK HER FOR NOT ATTENDING.
A woman who's expressed hatred for this country in spite of the life it's given her
…SHOULD NOT be at the inauguration of a person who's given up so much for this country, expressed and acted with love for…
— Redzee (@Redzee98) January 14, 2025
Another colleague, Delia Ramirez, made her absence about identity politics, asserting that as a “brown woman, daughter of immigrants,” she would feel unsafe at the inauguration. This begs the question: what safety measures would need to be in place for a gathering that caters mostly to politicians and constituents? It’s a conundrum that further adds layers to the excuses parade. If the aim is to celebrate MLK Day, maybe they should consider holding a political bake sale instead—nothing brings people together like cookies.
Rep. Kweisi Mfume of Maryland has firmly planted himself in the MLK Day camp as well, prioritizing community service over the inauguration festivities. His office touted his past efforts to establish MLK Day as a national holiday, which is commendable but might reflect a bit of a retread. Surely, there must be some middle ground where one can honor the legacy of Dr. King while grudgingly attending a transition of power. Instead, these legislators are doubling down on their absence.
Despite the Democratic dropout, a significant number of 26 House Democrats have decided to brave the “chaos” and witness history in the making. Noteworthy names among the attendees include some heavy hitters in the Democratic hierarchy, who will be putting their faces in what they must assume will be a crowd of supporters, not protesters. With considerable demand for tickets evident, lawmakers have resorted to a lottery system to satiate the requests from constituents. Clearly, there’s a thirst for witnessing a moment that symbolizes American democracy—an experience some Democrats seem utterly uninterested in.
In a twist that could only happen in modern politics, Congress is competing over who can bring the most interesting guest. A ticket means influence, and some members are ensuring they bring someone who can both represent the district and possibly claim some measure of fame amid the throng. All this provides fodder for both sides of the aisle and reminds everyone that while some are dodging the spectacle, others are gearing up to witness democracy in action, chaos and all. It seems, for the moment at least, a divided Congress is ready to celebrate a new chapter under Trump’s leadership, while some wish to opt out and take their chances with the chaos instead.
