House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Friday said people should “take a deep breath” ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, as a number of her fellow Democrats say Mr. Trump wasn’t legitimately elected and are skipping the ceremony.
“I think everyone should take a deep breath,” Mrs. Pelosi, California Democrat, said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “The greatness of America can withstand anything, including the election of Donald Trump.”
“But we wish him well,” she said. “In contrast to what the Republicans did to President Obama when they took the majority when he was president to say the most important thing we can do is to make sure he doesn’t succeed.”
Still, approximately one-third of Mrs. Pelosi’s caucus is skipping Friday’s inauguration. Some Democrats say they can’t stomach the thought of Mr. Trump entering the Oval Office, while others say he wasn’t legitimately elected because of Russian interference in the campaign.
“Members have made their own decision,” she said.
Mrs. Pelosi also pointed out that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton won the popular vote and that there is an apparent investigation into possible “collusion” between Russian officials and Mr. Trump’s associates.
“But that’s an investigation, and right now he’s going to be sworn in today,” she said. “We go forward with faith in our country.”
“He’s elected by the Electoral College — he’s there,” she said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.