Rep. Katherine Clark Will Boycott Trump Inauguration

WASHINGTON, DC — The Massachusetts congressional delegation will be without one member at the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, as Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Melrose) plans to boycott the inauguration as a form of protest.

Clark, who represents the 5th Massachusetts district, said in a statement sent to Patch that she didn't feel she could "contribute to the normalization of the President-elect's divisive rhetoric." Clark disagreed with the notion that it was important to attend the inauguration out of respect for tradition, telling the Boston Globe she did not feel the need to "attend the pageantry associated with and for this president."

“I respect the Office of the President and support the peaceful transfer of power," said Clark in her statement. "Families in my district are fearful that the anti-woman, anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, and divisive promises that drove the Trump campaign will become the policies affecting the health and safety of every American."

Staunch Trump critics Sen. Ed Markey and Sen. Elizabeth Warren have also confirmed they would attend. Rep. Michael Capuano of Somerville told the Globe he may not attend due to a scheduling conflict, but that his potential absence would not be to make a statement.

"I had hoped that the President-elect would use the transition period and his appointments to change course and fulfill his promise to be a President for all Americans; however, this has not been the case," Clark continued."After discussions with hundreds of my constituents, I do not feel that I can contribute to the normalization of the President-elect’s divisive rhetoric by participating in the Inauguration.”

>>>Photo via Congresswoman Katherine Clark's official website