Donald Trump inauguration boycott escalates: Now 55 Democrats say they will not attend
MORE than a quarter of House Democrats have announced they will not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration later this week – in what could be the biggest Presidential boycott in history.
On Wednesday evening, 59 House Democrats confirmed they would not attend the inauguration in Capitol Hill this week – and more are expected to shun Trump later this week.
The number of boycotters surged after Trump openly criticised civil rights icon John Lewis, a Congressman for Georgia.
A growing number of Congress members will not attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony on Friday
Mr Lewis said he would not be attending Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Friday because he doesn’t consider Trump “a legitimate President” because of alleged Russian interference in the election.
The President-elect took to Twitter to respond, writing: "Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results.
"All talk, talk, talk - no action or results. Sad!"
Michigan representative John Conyers backs Joe Lewis
The record was previously held by disgraced President Richard Nixon after 80 lawmakers missed his swearing-in ceremony, according to Arizona State University historian Brooks Simpson.
Between 800,000 and 900,000 people are expected to arrive in Washington for Trump’s inauguration, which will be watched by millions all over the world.
Another Congree member confirms she won't be attending the Capitol Hill ceremony on Friday
Rep. Juan Vargas confirms he won't be attending either
However, outgoing President Obama drew crowds of around 1.8 million people when he was first sworn in eight years ago.
Officials have claimed they don’t know if the crowds on Friday are coming to celebrate or protest Trump’s Presidency.