Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Trump's inaugural address:

"Today, the President painted a dystopian picture of America that was full of lies and distortions. Our country does face clear challenges, but most of the 'solutions' President Trump outlined will not fix them. For example, while I support targeted tariffs in strategic sectors, the broad and sweeping tariffs he has proposed will only drive prices higher for working Americans. And while I'm for greater government efficiency, his plan to replace merit-based federal civil servants with political cronies will do the opposite and open the door to large-scale corruption. When it comes to effective border security and public safety, it's clear there is more we can do, but mass deportations by our military will not cure our problems. I am always willing to work with those who want to build an economy that works for all, but I will fight tooth and nail against any effort to turn our country backwards and provide tax cuts to the super-rich at the expense of everyone else.

"Today, as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., our country would have been much better served by a speech that focused on our common humanity, rather than one aimed at scapegoating and catering to fear and division."