Trump inauguration

Ayanna Pressley’s Inauguration No-Show: A Political Statement or Spa Day?

Rep. Ayanna Pressley joins the Downton Abbey of Democratic boycotts, skipping Trump’s inauguration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Find out why her RSVP read 'No, thanks!'

In a move that many saw coming from a mile away, U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, along with her fellow representatives Bill Keating and Senator Ed Markey, announced that they will be boycotting President-elect Donald Trump's second inauguration. Pressley, a member of the progressive "Squad," didn’t mince words in her statement, highlighting the significance of the date: January 20, 2021, also happens to be Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For Pressley and many others, attending this inauguration is simply not an option given the current political climate and Trump's controversial past.

It’s not the first time that political heavyweights have chosen to skip out on an inauguration – in fact, during Trump's initial inauguration in 2017, nearly 70 Democratic members of Congress also raised their fists to say "nay" to the proceedings. Interestingly enough, this ongoing trend puts a spotlight on the polarization in US politics; boycotting a presidential inauguration seems to have become something of a weird rite of passage for those on the other side of the political aisle.

Pressley's decision reflects a broader sentiment among progressives who feel that Trump's presidency has not only been divisive but detrimental to the very values they uphold. Plans for Pressley on January 20 remain a mystery; whether she will be attending a yoga retreat, or perhaps organizing a community event to honor Dr. King, she’s not offering any clues, but you can bet her followers will be watching closely.

As the countdown to inauguration day begins, Pressley's absence, alongside those of her Democratic colleagues, sends a clear message that not everyone is ready to stand and cheer for a leader they feel represents a stark contradiction to their principles. Whether it's a day spent in solidarity with civil rights or just a good book by a warm fire, we can be sure that she’ll make it meaningful.

Interestingly, Martin Luther King Jr. Day signifies more than just an anniversary; it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality. This year also sees communities across the nation engaging in volunteer service to honor Dr. King's legacy, challenging Americans to get involved despite the divisive political landscape.

One fun nugget: Did you know the tradition of inauguration speeches goes back to George Washington? He chose to keep it short and sweet, clocking in at only 135 words on that momentous day in 1789. Compare that to today’s speeches, which can stretch well over 20 minutes! Talk about political stamina!