One Queens elected official is snubbing another Queens native on his all-important day.
Congresswoman Grace Meng announced earlier this week that she will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who was born in Jamaica Estates.
Meng joins a growing list of lawmakers nationwide, including a strong contingent from the New York delegation, to skip out on the traditionally joyous occasion.
“With just days before his inauguration, I had hoped President-elect Trump would put an end to his inflammatory rhetoric. But obviously that pivot has not occurred,” Meng said. “I have heard from many constituents and I thought long and hard about this decision. I respect the office of the President and our nation’s peaceful transfer of power.”
“But the President-elect must get the message that his antagonistic and divisive comments are unacceptable,” she added. “We cannot tolerate attacks on women, minorities or a civil rights icon.”
The icon she was referring to was Georgia Congressman John Lewis, who marched and organized in the Civil Rights Movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lewis said he was boycotting the inauguration because he didn’t believe Trump was elected legitimately, pointing to Russian meddling. Trump then posted tweets denouncing Lewis as “all talk” and “no action.”
“We need a leader who will bring our country together, and live up to the dignity and honor of the Oval Office,” Meng said.
This weekend, nearly one million people are expected to flood to Washington D.C. for a march organized by women of all races. Meng said she looks forward to welcoming constituents for “this weekend’s festivities.”
“I will work with Mr. Trump whenever possible, but this weekend I march.”