Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., rebuked Democratic Party figures who attended President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Omar, member of the progressive ‘squad’, told CNN host Kaitlan Collins on Thursday evening that because of Trump’s alleged disrespect for his political opponents and his “dismantling” of democracy, Democratic lawmakers should not have shown him respect by attending his swearing-in.
“So just the level of humiliation that was shown and the disrespect for tradition, I don’t think anyone should show him dignity and respect,” the lawmaker said on CNN.
BIDEN DATA MARK MILLEY, ANTHONY FAUCI, J6 COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., tells CNN host Kaitlan Collins that members of the Democratic Party should not have attended President Trump’s swearing-in. (Screenshot/CNN)
The legislator grilled members of the Democratic Party for attending the event at . Going to these events is not serious.”
She added: “At least artists know they are there to perform and get paid, but these politicians who have kept their mouths shut for four years and now are willing to be there and clap for him, that’s who they must be angry. They lied to them. you and your criticism/anger should be rightly directed at them.”
When Collins asked about the statement Thursday evening, Omar questioned why prominent members of her party such as Biden, Vice President Harris, former President Barack Obama and others were guests at the inauguration when Trump did not show up for Biden’s swearing-in. years ago, nor invite the new first family to the White House during the presidential transition, as is customary.
“You have to remember that Trump himself did not attend Biden’s inauguration, even though he was the outgoing president who, you know, had to help with that transition. They didn’t have the decency to invite the Bidens to the White House,” the lawmaker said.
Collins then asked whether Biden should have stayed away from the swearing-in ceremony altogether. Omar did not say this, but argued that his presence demonstrated his patriotism.
“President Biden has always been a true American, a patriot. And I think the fact that he didn’t have a peaceful transition, and that it was a challenge for him, he wanted to show the American people how to do it and remind them.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ABOUT MEDIA AND CULTURE
President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address during the 60th presidential inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, January 20, 2025. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool via REUTERS)
She did say that there were too many party leaders the inauguration for a figure they would have to oppose.
“And I think there were some exceptions of some people who could have been there for those kinds of purposes. But to have the sheer number of people who showed up and really had no reason to be there, um… it sends the wrong message to me.”
When Collins asked what that message is, the lawmaker responded, “That message is that this person, who we told you about, is going to destroy our democracy and is currently dismantling everything we hold dear. I’m going to sit here.” and congratulating him, patting him on the back and clapping for him – that’s not a good message.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The host asked if Omar was talking about Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attending the inauguration.
“I just don’t understand why they would be there,” Omar said.
