January 23, 2017

Whitehouse Statement on the Presidential Inauguration

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s inauguration:

“As we observe the peaceful transfer of power, I’m grateful today to President Obama for his service to our country, and for the unfailing dignity and grace he and his family brought to the White House.

Leader Schumer today shared with our nation the noble words of Smithfield-born Sullivan Ballou, Major of the Second Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, made famous in Ken Burns’ PBS series, “The Civil War.”  Major Ballou, who was killed in action shortly after writing that beautiful letter, described a love of country so strong that it justified great sacrifice to heal its deep divisions.

Our new President’s dark inaugural speech did little to inspire hope that he is ready to bring our nation together.  I will work to find areas of common ground with the President where they serve the interests of Rhode Islanders, but I plan to hold him to his election night promise to be a “president for all Americans.” 

I will stand up at every turn for the freedoms and values secured by Americans like Sullivan Ballou.  Those shared values are what have for centuries made our nation a beacon in the world.”

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Press Contact

Meaghan McCabe, (202) 224-2921
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