Politics & Government
Pramila Jayapal Boycotts State Of The Union Citing Trump 'Racism'
Jayapal announced she won't attend the annual State of the Union address in a video released on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
SEATTLE, WA - Democratic U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal said Monday she won't attend President Donald Trump's State of the Union address citing Trump's "racism and hatred." Jayapal's announcement follows news that Trump last week referred to African countries as "s--tholes."
"I think it's absolutely unacceptable to see the racism and hatred coming out of the White House the way this president is fueling the flames of divisiveness across this country," Jayapal said in the recorded statement.
Jayapal, who represents parts of Seattle, Edmonds, Shoreline, and Vashon Island, said that she and other members of Congress will hold a separate state of the union event to discuss racism.
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In 2017, Jayapal protested Trump's inauguration. U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Renton, also did not attend, but he said at the time he wanted to spend the day in his district with constituents.
Trump's 2018 address happens Jan. 30. Other members of Congress boycotting the event include Maxine Waters, John Lewis, and Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: With all the racism coming from the White House, I will NOT be attending @realDonaldTrump's State of the Union. Instead, we'll focus on the State of OUR Union, our opposition to his agenda, and we will lift up a progressive and inclusive vision of our country. pic.twitter.com/dcAWMIkZZV
— Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) January 15, 2018
CAPTION: Jayapal with King County NAACP President Gerald Hankerson at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally in Seattle at Garfield High School, .
Image courtesy U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal
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