Commentary: Montana's Delegation Enthusiastically Welcomes Our New President, Others Are Less Enthusiastic
Adam Kinzinger reaches out to those who did not vote for our new president
By Denise Rivette
Montana’s Washington delegation and governor are enjoying this inauguration day in Washington, D.C. All five have been expressing their joy in the occasion and eagerness to get to work on President Donald J. Trump’s agenda. Below are public statements made by the representatives of the Treasure State.
Representative Ryan Zinke captioned the above photo yesterday with: Your Montana Delegation is ready to welcome President Trump!
U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement after President Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States:
“It’s a new day in America. The American people have had enough of unaffordable prices, an out-of-control border and weakness on the world stage. I’m excited to work with President Trump to restore America’s greatness.”
Congressman Troy Downing, representing Eastern Montana, was moved to release the following:
“Today will go down in history as the first day of the rest of the American Experiment. In November, voters gave Donald Trump a clear mandate to get our economy back on track, secure our border, restore international order, and return to societal normalcy. For too long, Democrat governance has impeded these ends. Not anymore. I stand beside my Republican colleagues in the House and Senate ready to work with this Administration to Make America Great Again.”
Senator Tim Sheehy concurred by stating:
“It’s a new day in America. It was an honor to witness President Trump’s historic return to office, and I am ready to work with President Trump, Vice President Vance, and their new administration to put America First and restore common sense in Washington, D.C. Let’s get to work!”
Governor Gianforte posted the following on social media:
Others Were Not As Enthusiastic
Former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger posted a video to his Substack today that reached out to those who did not vote for the new president. He offered his thoughts on the incoming administration, asked for reflection and action, and finished with his reaction to receiving a preemptive pardon from President Biden.
Obviously less than pleased with the outcome of the election, he asked his audience to join him in stepping back from the opinions and reflecting on how “the peaceful transfer of power is really a beautiful thing.” He also was blunt in providing his critique of the inauguration and the incoming administration. He suggested that we all take the long view and look to and plan for future elections while building a better world.
Regarding the blanket pardon given to the January 6 Committee, he was clear, “I didn't ask for it. I didn't want it.” The January 6 Committee put out a statement that he agrees with. He summarized, “Basically we weren't being pardoned for breaking the law. We were being pardoned for following it. There's nothing we're ashamed of, nothing we did wrong. And in fact, I'm very proud of the work of the January 6 committee, and I think this is going to be the work that stands the test of time and stands up and in defense, in essence, of the truth for January 6.”
He followed with, “So it's an interesting day, and but now I think it's time maybe after today, after today, it's time to get to work.”
Montana Independent News: Here to Inform Not Inflame
Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, democracy and freedom require ongoing work from all of us. We all need to do the work of democracy to maintain our rights, and understand and fulfill our responsibilities to preserve our freedoms. That work includes keeping informed on issues, and listening to and working to understand those who hold views on issues that differ from one’s own. Building on common ground is the beauty of democracy.
The primary goal of Montana Independent News is to provide readers with complete, accurate and contextual information as well as examining views held and actions taken by those seeking to shape our local community, our state and our nation. If you have any topics you would like covered or questions you would like answered, please send a message through this site or send an email to MontanaIndependent@substack.com
Most Americans are “less than enthusiastic.”