Image by House.gov

Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth became the third Jewish House Democrat to announce he would boycott Friday’s inauguration after a spat between the incoming leader and civil rights icon John Lewis.

“For the last ten weeks, President-elect Trump has continually denigrated the office of the President by using his bully pulpit for insult and ridicule,” he said in a statement. “This is not normal. It is an embarrassment to our country and to the office of the presidency, and we must send the message that this behavior is not acceptable from the leader of our nation. Not attending the inauguration is one way for me to do that.”

Yarmuth’s decision follows on similar announcements from two other Jewish House Dems — Steve Cohen of Tennessee and Jerrold Nadler of New York. Two dozen of their colleagues also will not be attending. The boycott push started after Trump criticized Lewis, who represents Atlanta in Congress, by saying that his district was “crime-infested” and “falling apart.” He added that Lewis, who was savagely beaten during the civil rights movement, was about “talk” and not action.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Lewis set off Trump’s fury after saying on this Sunday’s edition of “Meet the Press” that he did not believe the president-elect was “legitimate,” citing evidence of Russian interference in the race.

Contact Daniel J. Solomon at solomon@forward.com or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount