Three Philly-Area Congressman To Boycott Donald Trump Inauguration

Two Montgomery County Democratic Congressmen are boycotting the inauguration of Donald Trump on Friday, according to statements released by their offices. U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle and U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans will also be joined by Delaware County and Philadelphia U.S. Rep. Bob Brady in their protest.

According to numerous reports, nearly a fifth of all Democratic representatives are skipping the event.

Boyle, whose 13th district covers large portions of north and eastern Montgomery County, said that he has long held inauguration day in veneration as an apolitical event to celebrate. Friday is changing all of that, however.

"The election of Donald Trump presents a challenge to my long held view of presidential inaugurations," he said in a statement Monday. "As much as I cherish this day, can I in good conscience celebrate that which I believe is a grave mistake? Can I sit by mere yards away and applaud the desecration of the most important office in the history of the world?"

Evans, from the second district that includes Lower Merion, Roxborough, and Manayunk, pointed to Trump's recent public bashing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, along with attacks on healthcare and a suspicion over Russian hacking.

6ABC reports that Brady was also disturbed by Trump's treatment of Lewis.

"Whether John Lewis started it or not, Mr. Trump should have said, 'let's talk, let me listen to you, what are your issues?'" Brady told 6ABC.

Trump's inauguration festivities will take place across three days in Washington D.C., from Thursday through Saturday. The official inauguratino will be Friday.

Image courtesy U.S. House of Representatives and Dwight Evans for Mayor, via Commons.