In a departure from past state dinners, President Donald Trump is not inviting any Democrats or media to his first state dinner — which is sure to make for a far more relaxing evening.
The president will host French President Emmanuel Macron next week and Trump is breaking tradition by not including Democrats or members of the press, according to Politico.
In fact, only four members of Congress will be attending, the online political news website reported:
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and Sens. John Kennedy, R-La., and Bill Cassidy, R-La.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., reportedly received an invitation, but could not attend.
The event marks the first time President Trump and first lady Melania Trump host a foreign leader to the full ceremonial honors of a state visit, ABC News reported.
President Macron and his wife Brigitte Trogneux hosted President Trump and the first lady in Paris, France, in July during the traditional Bastille day military parade on the Champs-Elysees.
The dinner has been under the personal direction of Mrs. Trump, according to ABC News, and will be a celebration of “the deeply-rooted historical ties between the two countries and marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.”
“Mrs. Trump wants her guests to have a wonderful, sensory experience,” said Anita McBride, who served first lady Laura Bush’s chief of staff. “The flowers and lighting in the room. She pays great attention to detail. It’s really a chance for her to show how they entertain.”
And the first lady can do so without the unfairly critical eye of the opposition… and Democrats.
When President Obama hosted Macron’s predecessor, François Hollande, for a state dinner, he invited lawmakers from both parties and a number of top media figures, to include CNN President Jeff Zucker. The event also included an appearance by singer Mary J. Blige.
And while there are plenty of complaints about Trump being “petty,” more than a few social media users point to the shameful way Democrats have treated the president to say: “Screw the democrats.”
Here’s a sampling of reactions from Twitter:
Trump has decided NOT to invite any Democrats to this week’s State Dinner.
And I don’t blame him.
I don’t invite people who mock & disrespect me over to dinner either.
Besides, the Democrats would more than likely boycott the dinner & try to make this all about them.
— Educating Liberals (@Education4Libs) April 22, 2018
Brilliant. Keeps their sorry asses from getting press coverage for saying they’re not going to go because he’s a nazi. Well played @realDonaldTrump well played https://t.co/pp9ctKrI96
— Kevin Stuckey (@drberzerko) April 21, 2018
What has the democrats done to get a seat at the table, resist, resist, resist, no votes for the people.
— Ron Atkins (@RonAtkins) April 21, 2018
I wouldn’t invite them either they don’t deserve to be invited to anything
— Texas Border Cane (@JohnCane440) April 22, 2018
Bipartisanship is dead and buried in DC. Sad. https://t.co/juJfVI8MF5
— Mark Dubowitz (@mdubowitz) April 22, 2018
Do you invite folks over for dinner after they just filed a frivolous lawsuit against you? Screw the democrats.
— K L (@Kilo_1776) April 22, 2018
Are liberals really complaining because President Trump didn’t invite democrats to the state dinner? These are the same democrats who want him impeached, despise him, attack his family, call him a Russian agent, & sexual abuser.
Good for Trump, these democrats are parasites.
— Mike (@mike_Zollo) April 22, 2018
Via BizPAC
