Sen. Richard Blumenthal Criticizes Trump’s Inauguration for Divisive Tone and Troubling Optics

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) expressed sharp criticism of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, highlighting its tone and symbolism as foreboding indicators for the next four years. In a thread posted on X, Blumenthal lamented the divisive message of Trump’s speech and the troubling optics of the event.

“I was hoping for a unifying message — a speech seeking to bring us together & heal our differences. Instead, it was replete with grievance & grandiosity — playing to cultural & political divisions,” Blumenthal wrote. The senator also commented on the unusual hierarchy visible during the ceremony.

“I was struck by the panorama of Big Tech billionaires on a platform raised above Supreme Court Justices, placed ahead of Cabinet members. Governors were relegated to a separate room, including Republican Governors. It was a picture of a government for sale.”

Trump’s inauguration, initially planned as a grand affair, was scaled back due to severe weather in Washington, D.C. The frigid conditions reportedly caused difficulties in raising the half-staff flags to full height, adding to the somber tone of the event.

Blumenthal’s remarks also addressed concerns about Trump’s relationship with tech billionaires. Many of these figures, including some who were critical of Trump during his previous term, contributed generously to his inaugural fund. This rush to ingratiate themselves with the administration has drawn criticism from both the left and Trump’s supporters.

Despite his criticisms, Blumenthal extended a conditional olive branch. “As always, I wish the President well because his success will be America’s success — & I’ll work with him whenever & wherever possible. But I’m determined to fight if necessary to protect CT & our country,” he wrote.

Blumenthal also pointed to Trump’s controversial promises to pardon January 6 rioters. “The second half of President Trump’s inauguration speech — delivered moments later downstairs — previewed his plan to pardon the January 6th rioters who stormed the Capitol & assaulted police officers,” Blumenthal noted. “Pardoning these cop killers would be sickening. Retribution against investigators of the insurrectionists would be equally repugnant.”

While no officers were directly killed during the January 6 attack, approximately 150 were injured. Additionally, one officer died of a stroke shortly after, and two others died by suicide in the following days. Blumenthal’s comments underscore his concern about the potential for Trump’s actions to further erode trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law.