A series of US congressmen boycotted Donald Trump's inauguration

At least 18 Democratic congressmen have announced a boycott of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

US President-elect Donald Trump. Photo: Rex

Democratic Congressman John Lewis said in an interview that he will boycott this year's US presidential inauguration because he does not consider New York tycoon Donald Trump a "legitimate president". The congressman mentioned the accusations of Russia hacking the US election. This is the first time Lewis has refused to attend the ceremony since 1987, CNN reported.

In response, US President-elect Donald Trump called Lewis a "talker" and "no action" person, and advised him to focus on "fixing and helping" the area he manages rather than "complaining" about Russia's influence on the election.

The New York tycoon's comments have drawn a lot of backlash. "I will not be attending the inauguration of @realDonaldTrump. By insulting @repjohnlewis, you are insulting America," New York Congresswoman Yvette Clarke wrote on Twitter, publicly announcing her decision to boycott the US presidential inauguration on January 20.

Some members of Congress said they would hold protests instead of attending the event.

"'All talk, no action'. I stand with @repjohnlewis and I will not be attending the inauguration," California Rep. Mark Takano tweeted.

California Congressman Ted Lieu also issued a statement saying he would not attend Trump's inauguration.

Oregon Rep. Kurt Scharder, meanwhile, said: "I will do my best to work with him when I feel he is doing the right thing for the country. But he has not shown me anything. Therefore, I respectfully decline to sit in the cold to attend this ceremony."

In addition, New York Congressman Jose Serrano, California Congressman Judy Chu, Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Massachusetts Congressman Katherine Clark, and Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer also decided not to attend the event.

US Congressman John Lewis. Photo: AFP

According to VNE