Friends, 

It’s official — President Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, and his second term has begun.

Let’s start here: The peaceful transfer of power remains one of the most powerful symbols of our great democracy.

Today, I wish President Trump and Vice President Vance the best as they take on this monumental duty. I hold a deep and sincere hope that they will be successful for all Americans.

I said in 2017 that my motto during the first Trump term would be: Advance everywhere we can, defend everything we must. As I continue to advocate for the interests of Virginia in the Senate, that remains my goal and mantra.

No matter what you’re feeling right now — fear, anger, hope, anxiety, despair, determination — know that there are still many strong and committed leaders in Washington who are determined to fight for you, and to fight for the most vulnerable among us.

Whatever challenges or successes lie ahead for our country, the fact is that we will face them together, as one people, ultimately united by our shared beliefs in the core values this country was founded on — democracy and freedom. 

I am an optimist by nature, but that doesn’t mean I’m not also a realist. I fought hard to prevent today’s events, and like you, I remain disappointed that we didn’t achieve what we’d hoped in last year’s elections. 

But the page has been turned, and I am honored to do my Constitutionally-mandated duty: To support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; to bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office to which I have been elected by the great people of Virginia.

Doing that duty will require fighting against this Administration, to be sure. It will also require working with it when we can, and finding compromises where we can.

As we begin this new chapter, I am so grateful to have this team by my side. Your support, your encouragement, your wisdom, and your friendship are invaluable.

I’ll leave you with this great quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. that I’m reflecting on today: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” A fitting sentiment.

Onward,

Tim Kaine

Paid for by Kaine for Virginia

1490-5A Quarterpath Road #272

Williamsburg, VA 23185

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