Local lawmakers react to inauguration, Trump’s farewell
NASHVILLE — Lawmakers from Tennessee and Georgia weighed in Wednesday on Democrat Joe Biden’s inauguration as the nation’s 46th president, and Kamala Harris as vice president, with reactions ranging from praise to threats of impeachment.
Here’s some of what they had to say:
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee
“I join Tennesseans in wishing our new president and vice president well. I will seek to work with the new administration to protect our constitutional freedoms and improve the lives of the American people. I also thank our brave law enforcement and military personnel for their tireless efforts in ensuring a safe, secure and peaceful transfer of power.”
U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tennessee
“Our nation’s peaceful transfer of power is at the very bedrock of our republic, but also a clear example to the rest of the world. Today, we celebrate the 59th presidential inauguration and wish our new president and vice president God’s blessings. America is the greatest nation in history, and I join all Tennesseans in supporting our country’s continued strength and success.”
Newly sworn-in U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Georgia
“It’s a new day, full of possibility.”
Newly sworn-in U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia
“Change has come to Georgia. Change is coming to America.”
U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tennessee, Congressional office statement
“It is my sincere hope that President Joe Biden will make good on his promise of unity. However, Biden’s actions on his first day in office are worrying — signing 17 executive orders within the first hours of his presidency, with more to come — not the sign of someone who is eager to reach across the aisle. … We must be able to see each other as Americans, united in a shared love for our nation. We must be able to reach across the aisle, even when it’s hard, to give all Americans a brighter future.”
U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais
“Today the new administration plans to sign over a dozen executive orders that will repeal policies that created the largest pro-growth economy in 50 years, made us the most secure nation, enabled our ability to become energy independent and put America first. … While I echo the sentiment of President Biden’s unity message these words, actions are more telling. … I hope he will not forget or make those who did not vote for him feel disenfranchised.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tennessee
“Today is a new day for America as decency and hope are restored in the White House. I look forward to working with @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris as we move forward as an inclusive, healing, and just country.”
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia
Greene tweeted “President @JoeBiden’s abuse of power as @BarackObama’s Vice President is a threat to our national security. #QuidProJoe needs to go! #ImpeachBiden.”
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tennessee
Burchett tweeted: “Enjoyed the inauguration now off to the Whitehouse for fondue.” Later tweet: “It’s the transition of power. Regardless of party it’s a day to celebrate.”
Hamilton County Republican Party Chair Marsha Yessick
“As I watched Air Force One depart Washington D.C., this morning, with the greatest president of all time aboard, for the last time, the lump in my throat grew and tears ran down my face. … Though most feel, that the voting irregularities were enormous, the time has come to move forward and wait for Donald J. Trump and the most beautiful first lady ever, to be back in some form, as he promised this morning, in his final farewell. What a magnificent president. He made and kept all of his promises, to the citizens of the United States of America, making us proud and safe during his term.”
Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Henrell Remus
“[T]he dark never lifted during the tenure of Donald Trump. After enduring four gruesome years of the hateful destruction of our democracy, it stops today. With the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, American begins a new chapter and our country pivots toward a brighter future.”
Blackburn, Hagerty and Burchett attended Biden’s inauguration but not Trump’s farewell address to staff and supporters Wednesday morning at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility before departing to Florida. Fleischman, who has COVID-19, was unable to attend either Trump’s final farewell in Washington or Biden’s inauguration.