Calling Trump a racist and liar, Frederica Wilson says she’ll boycott his speech

WASHINGTON – Rep. Frederica Wilson says she'll will not attend President Donald Trump's first State of the Union address, citing his "recent racist and incendiary remarks about Haiti and African nations."

The Miami Democrat, who earlier fought with Trump over his call to the widow of a fallen soldier, announced her decision Sunday evening. Several other Democrats, including Reps. Maxine Waters, John Lewis and Earl Blumenauer, have also said they will not attend the Jan. 30 speech.

"For the first time since I began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, I will not be attending the president's State of the Union address," Wilson said in a statement. "I have no doubt that instead of delivering a message of inclusivity and an agenda that benefits all Americans, President Trump's address will be full of innuendo, empty promises, and lies.

"During his disappointing and destructive first year in office, Mr. Trump has demeaned the presidency at every opportunity and cast doubt on our nation's standing as a global leader. The United States' reputation is smoldering in the ashes of his recent racist and incendiary remarks about Haiti and African nations. Many of his proposed domestic policies are harmful to people of color, low-income communities, and the middle class. It would be an embarrassment to be seen with him at a forum that under any other president would be an honor to attend."