Congressman Lowenthal Will Not Attend President Elect Trump’s Inauguration

By Long Beach Local News Staff
Washington, DC

Congressman Alan Lowenthal who represents Long Beach in the 47th Congressional District today issued the following statement regarding whether he will attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Friday, Jan. 20:

“This has been a difficult decision for me as I have the utmost respect for the office of the President and the peaceful transfer of executive power embodied in the inauguration.

“However, President-elect Trump’s recent attacks on Rep. John Lewis were beyond the pale and served as a tipping point which made me re-evaluate my original intention to attend.

“John Lewis is nothing short of a true American hero. He bravely put his life on the line, numerous times, all to bend the long arc of history toward a more justice-filled future for all Americans.

“On inauguration day, our nation invests the President-elect with executive power. We do not anoint the President with respect.  Respect must be earned. Donald Trump, in his attacks on Rep. Lewis, and minorities, and women, and the disabled, has yet done little to earn my respect.

“For that reason, and in solidarity with those he has attacked, I have decided not to attend the inauguration. I sincerely hope that over the next four years President Trump will work hard to earn the respect of all Americans, not just those who voted for him. The American people deserve it and the office of the President requires it.”

Recently Congressman Lowenthal was interviewed by local newspaper, the Long Beach Business Journal.  In it he expressed his support for the City of Long Beach, CA to become a sanctuary city.  He stated, “I have been very concerned about deportation issues,” and said, “I support the idea of having a sanctuary city.  I would support sanctuary and Long Beach being a sanctuary.”

For more information on Alan Lowenthal, click here.