After President-elect Donald Trump attacked Georgia congressman and civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and his district on Twitter Saturday morning, colleagues and admirers of Lewis responded forcefully.
Lewis said Friday that Trump was not “a legitimate president,” due what he called a Russian “conspiracy” to sabotage Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Lewis also said he would not attend Trump’s presidential inauguration.
Below is a selection of responses from around the political world from Lewis’ colleagues others. Lewis’ constituents have also taken to Twitter to defend their district, which Trump described as “in horrible shape,” “falling apart,” and “crime infested.”
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA):
Ahead of #MLKday2017, let us remember that many have tried to silence @repjohnlewis over the years. All have failed.
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) January 14, 2017
“I can only hope that Trump will govern differently than he has campaigned,” wrote Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA), who released a statement Saturday explaining why he would join other Democratic lawmakers in not attending Trump’s inauguration. “For me, the personal decision not to attend the Inauguration is quite simple: Do I stand with Donald Trump, or do I stand with John Lewis? I am standing with John Lewis.”
Evan McMullin, independent candidate for president in 2016:
On this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, let it be clear that John Lewis is an American patriot. Trump’s attacks on him further confirm it. pic.twitter.com/WavPT36Atu
— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) January 14, 2017
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MI):
.@repjohnlewis knows true sacrifice. @realDonaldTrump has no clue. When cluelessness collides with power oppression results. Resistance! https://t.co/Eu1vWbetsl
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) January 14, 2017
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI):
My friend @repjohnlewis is an American hero. A champion for justice and reconciliation. @realDonaldTrump could learn smth from his example
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) January 14, 2017
Stephen Colbert:
Attn:@realDonaldTrump @repjohnlewis is my friend, and yours, whoever you are, whether you agree with him or not. #Leadwithlove #goodtrouble
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) January 14, 2017
Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE):
John Lewis and his “talk” have changed the world.https://t.co/qeUloAkeTx https://t.co/aH2vDLjKk9
— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) January 14, 2017
(After some responded accusing Sasse of supporting Lewis’ decision not to attend Trump’s inauguration, Sasse posted again.)
All these are true:
*Adam’s decision to vacate the White House for Jefferson without violence was a gift
*John Lewis is a hero
*Words matter https://t.co/f2AsuIcrnt— Ben Sasse (@BenSasse) January 14, 2017
Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA):
“All talk, no action.”
I stand with @repjohnlewis and I will not be attending the inauguration. pic.twitter.com/z8Q0wA9OPK
— Mark Takano (@RepMarkTakano) January 14, 2017
“Mr. Trump said that John Lewis is all talk and no action. I say, ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, I say that John Lewis took action,” said interim DNC Chair Donna Brazile, in remarks that brought the audience to its feet at the DNC Future Forum. “He took action marching from Selma to Montgomery. He took action in marching towards men welding clubs across the Pettis Bridge. They fractured his skull because of the color of skin. But John Lewis never stopped marching for justice and equality for all people!”
Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC):
Tomorrow is MLK,Jr’s b’day, will celebrate it defending the ACA and respecting the life and legacy of King’s protégé @repjohnlewis
— James E. Clyburn (@Clyburn) January 14, 2017
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA):
John Lewis has used his voice to change a nation. @realDonaldTrump uses his to try and silence those who disagree with him. pic.twitter.com/kBWCIc1Yv3
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) January 14, 2017
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA):
America is stronger because of civil rights heroes like John Lewis. Proud to call him a friend in fight for progress. #IStandWithJohnLewis pic.twitter.com/y1cavRN7pY
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) January 14, 2017
“Number one, don’t tweet that. Number two, don’t go there. And number three, step back and try to appreciate what’s being said and what the concern is,” Michael Steele said during an appearance on MSNBC. “John Lewis has a walk that very few people in this country–least of all Donald Trump–have ever walked. So you have to respect that and pay attention to that in a real sense,” he added.
Rep. John Yarmouth (D-KY):
All talk no action, @realDonaldTrump? @repjohnlewis shed blood to secure & protect basic human rights for all. Your ignorance is astounding. pic.twitter.com/hPXPYWDAIC
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) January 14, 2017
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL):
With all due respect, you couldn’t walk a mile in Rep. John Lewis’s shoes. #IStandWithJohnLewis https://t.co/DSVoOD3ETQ
— Robin Kelly (@RepRobinKelly) January 14, 2017
“I was like, ‘Is he serious by saying that he’s all talk and no action? He’s already taken the action, the ultimate sacrifice, his blood there on the bridge. It’s like, ‘Really?’” said Jennifer Holliday, who backed out of a commitment to perform at Trump’s inauguration Saturday. She was speaking to The Hollywood Reporter. “I thought that was just very disrespectful and an insult to every person,” she added.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE):
Rep. John Lewis was beaten, bloodied & arrested 40+ times marching for civil rights. He is a true American hero & represents the best of us.
— Senator Chris Coons (@ChrisCoons) January 14, 2017
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR):
.@realDonaldTrump: This is not talk. @repjohnlewis is an American hero. pic.twitter.com/UNQAWjVwhC
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) January 14, 2017
Oh My ! ----
My heart just flew out …
Another ray of light piercing through the gloom ! ----
In addition to insulting Rep. Lewis trump disparaged his district in Georgia. Everyone there should feel insulted to their core
Donald Trump showed his true character when he attacked John Lewis. Trump is a pathetic, egotistic, bully who has never done one thing for this country. Even George Wallace would tell him he is a shameful clueless narcissist.With this outburst, Trump has conclusively proved he has no decency.
Any person who doesn’t speak out for John Lewis does not deserve the title “American.”
Good for all of these people! Time to email your representative and senators to see why she/he hasn’t joined in to denounce PeePee’s latest racist screed. On Tuesday - first day after the weekend/holiday - start making calls and let these congress people know that you’ll be watching to see if they still attend the inauguration, and let those who are going know that you’ll be writing a letter to the editors of local papers to denounce their implicit agreement with that orange racist bastard. We’re having an impact by phone/fax/email and we need to keep upping the ante.