As Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term as president on January 20, 2025, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) made headlines for her pointed refusal to attend the inauguration. In a series of Instagram posts, the progressive congresswoman declared, “I don’t celebrate rapists,” referencing the sexual assault allegations against Trump, including the civil case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, in which Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
AOC’s absence was part of a broader wave of resistance, as over 700 protests were planned nationwide under the banner of “We Fight Back 2025.” These demonstrations, organized by grassroots groups like the People’s Forum and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), highlighted the deep dissatisfaction with Trump’s anticipated policies and the growing fear of an authoritarian administration.
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AOC’s Bold Statement: “I Don’t Celebrate Rapists”
AOC’s decision to skip the inauguration was rooted in her unwavering opposition to Trump and his history of sexual misconduct allegations. In a video posted to Instagram, she addressed the repeated questions from journalists about her attendance: “Let me make myself clear: I don’t celebrate rapists. So no, I’m not going to the inauguration”.
Her comments specifically referenced the civil case brought by E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. While Trump was not found liable for rape under New York’s narrow legal definition, Judge Lewis Kaplan clarified that the jury’s findings did not exonerate him. “The finding that Ms. Carroll failed to prove that she was ‘raped’ within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr. Trump ‘raped’ her as many people commonly understand the word ‘rape,’” Kaplan wrote.
AOC, a survivor of sexual assault herself, has been a vocal critic of Trump’s behavior and the broader culture of impunity surrounding powerful men. Her refusal to attend the inauguration was both a personal statement and a political act, signaling her commitment to holding Trump accountable for his actions.
Who Else is Skipping the Inauguration?
AOC was not alone in her decision to boycott the inauguration. Several other House Democrats also opted out, citing a range of reasons from personal safety concerns to scheduling conflicts with Martin Luther King Jr. Day events.
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Nancy Pelosi: The former House Speaker, who has a long history of adversarial relations with Trump, chose not to attend. Pelosi is currently recovering from hip replacement surgery but has also been critical of Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
Delia Ramirez: The Illinois representative stated that she would feel “unsafe” attending the inauguration as a “brown woman, daughter of immigrants.” She chose to spend the day honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. instead.
Judy Chu: The California congresswoman cited the ongoing wildfires in her state as her reason for skipping the event, opting to stay in her district to support recovery efforts.
These absences reflect the deep divisions within the Democratic Party and the broader American public as Trump begins his second term.
Nationwide Protests: “We Fight Back 2025”
While Trump’s supporters gathered in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration, thousands of protesters took to the streets across the country to voice their opposition. Over 700 demonstrations were planned under the banner of “We Fight Back 2025,” organized by groups like the People’s Forum, the Palestinian Youth Movement, and the DSA.
Key Themes of the Protests
Workers’ Rights and Economic Justice: Protesters called for an end to the rule of billionaires and the prioritization of working-class needs over corporate interests.
Immigrant and LGBTQ+ Rights: Many demonstrations highlighted the anticipated threats to marginalized communities under Trump’s administration, including mass deportations and anti-trans policies.
Climate Justice: Environmental groups joined the protests, demanding action on climate change and opposing Trump’s rollback of environmental regulations.
In Miami, the local DSA chapter organized a protest at the city’s Torch of Friendship, emphasizing solidarity among all sectors of the working class. “We’re protesting Trump because of the policies that will be perpetuated and [be] awful, and that’ll surely make the lives of working people even worse than they already are,” said Adam Medina, external co-chair for Miami DSA.
The Broader Implications
AOC’s absence and the nationwide protests underscore the deep polarization of American politics as Trump begins his second term. Her refusal to attend the inauguration was not just a personal statement but a powerful symbol of resistance to an administration many fear will further erode democratic norms and civil rights.
The protests, meanwhile, represent a grassroots movement that is increasingly disillusioned with both major political parties. As Medina noted, “Our rebuke is that working people have got to build the alternatives that will liberate them”.
Divided Nation
As Donald Trump took the oath of office for the second time, the absence of prominent Democrats like AOC and the widespread protests across the country served as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the United States. AOC’s bold statement—“I don’t celebrate rapists”—resonated with millions who share her concerns about Trump’s character and policies.
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The nationwide demonstrations, meanwhile, signaled a growing resistance to Trump’s agenda and a demand for systemic change. As the nation moves forward under a second Trump administration, the voices of dissent will undoubtedly continue to shape the political landscape.
