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A January 28, 2025 press release from the Rhode Island Senate Minority Office:

RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT TRUMP ON HIS INAUGURATION AND HISTORIC VICTORY FAILS TO PASS RHODE ISLAND SENATE

In an unprecedented move, the Rhode Island Senate failed to pass a Resolution sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz, Senate Minority Whip Gordon Rogers, Senator Elaine J. Morgan, and Senator Thomas J. Paolino, entitled “CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP ON HIS INAUGURATION AND HISTORIC AND EXTRAORDINARY VICTORY IN THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.”

Every four years, the Senate passes a resolution congratulating the incoming President and Vice President. Today’s resolution followed that tradition and included historical context, such as President Trump being the first President since Grover Cleveland to be elected to two non-consecutive terms to serve as President of the United States.

The Resolution outlined key components President Trump championed during his campaigns, including border security, energy independence, and America First foreign policy. Additionally, it highlighted the contributions to the American people realized in President Trump’s first term, such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, The First Step Act, and the establishment of Space Force.

“It was my sincere hope that the Senate would honor the tradition of the chamber to congratulate and wish success to an incoming President, as has been done previously for Presidents Biden, Obama, and predecessors,” stated Senate Minority Leader de la Cruz in response to the Resolution’s failing. “Despite being critical of policies of past Presidents, I have always wished them success – because I want America to succeed – to become strong, safe, healthy, prosperous, and great again. Instead of alienating the President, we should be building bridges.”

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thank you for amplifying this particular square of the horror quilt

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Hard to believe that even one Democratic state senator supported that resolution. So shameful! How can we donate to the party when it turns around and abandons what Democrats are supposed to stand for?

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Trump is a convicted felon and muc h siued sexual preadator. That the legislature passed a resolution supporting him is criminal. SHAME

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Shame on the yay-sayers

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Congratulating Trump for creating mass oppression and worldwide suffering? Great

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I'm one of those who believes in doing the right thing. I send cards, write notes, and try to hold my tongue in public. As I've aged, I'm losing that battle. I'm one of the first to congratulate a friend or coworker. Heck, I've thrown parties for someone's good fortune.

I've lost battles many times. I may be ticked off, curse like the proverbial sailor but I move on.

Trump didn't win in R.I. It may be 'customary' to send congratulations but it's not a law or rule.

My reps and senators are supposed to represent me. There have been times I was not happy but accepted it since I'm not always right and I'm not the only one they represent.

In this case, there is nothing to congratulate. Trump and his cronies are out to destroy this country.

Every individual in RI can send a card. He's not changing who and what he is. It's not going to divert him from his mission. No good will mission is going to make a dent. He probably couldn't find R.I. on a map.

Trump 'thinks' he's running the show. We have heard of 'puppet dictatorships' and now we're living in one. He is not a smart man. People will run an idea within earshot and he jumps on it so it becomes his. Trump is a salesman by trade, not an idea man. Trump 1.0 was very different than Trump 2.0. Trump 1.0 just wanted acclaim and attention. Trump 2.0 wants to rule the world. Why? Because the voices around him have told him he can. He loves flattery so they play to that. What they keep missing is his big mouth. Whatever idea they've implanted, he adds his own twist and their plan blows up in their faces. How long will it be for him to start firing the people he put in place? That is Trump 1.0. If he sheds Musk, Miller, and others, we can probably put up with Trump 1.0.

So - back to 'congratulatory' messages. Is this the 'right' thing to do? IMO, no. This state is in a world of hurt. Our leaders are incapable of budgeting. For the time being, it's better to lay low and not bring attention to R.I. We don't want or need Trumpism in this state. We need the bridge money. It's been allocated since October under Biden. That bridge is part of the Federal interstate highway system. It's up to our Washington people to push that it's a 'Federal' need without blaming anyone.

I try to do what I can. I'm a keyboard warrior. I read comments, fact check, and dispute others. I step on toes. If I can change one person's mind, I've done what I intended. Let the truth speak for itself.

If Mr. Chippendale wants to send his message, he is welcome to do so. He must ensure it's only in his name, not the 'people of Rhode Island'. He can welcome him, blow him air kisses and hugs, and send him flowers. Just don't add my name or anyone else's. There is no group hug for Trump. Whatever you do, do it on your own.

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