Friend,

As we witnessed democracy in action – the peaceful transition of power that is so foundational to our nation – I truly hoped the 47th president would give remarks that brought the country together and healed our differences. 

Trump claimed he wanted to be a "peacemaker." He said he wanted to be "a unifier."

And yet, his remarks were filled with more of the same: Grievances and grandiosity, playing to cultural and political divisions – all while unelected tech titan billionaires watched closely on a raised dais alongside Trump, elevated above even Supreme Court justices and duly elected Republicans and Democrats alike.

Donald Trump is who we've always known him to be. He is no peacemaker. He is no unifier. He seeks to serve himself and elevate those with blind loyalty to agenda. Case in point: Trump's sickening, repugnant pardon of nearly all the Jan. 6 insurrectionists.

I am more committed than ever to our core constitutional values and to fighting for a world that lives up to them for all Americans. Where there is common ground with the new administration, I will seek it and work in a bipartisan fashion to better the nation we love.

I will fight with everything I have in the Senate to prevent Trump from steamrolling over justice, freedom and democracy. That work has already begun as we scrutinize Trump's nominees for his Cabinet.

I will also not back down from going toe to toe with this administration to protect the nation we love.

Your partnership will be key, friend. Your voice, your actions, your support – your participation in our democracy. I'm grateful to have you by my side in this fight, and I'll be sure to keep you updated every step of the way.

Sincerely,

Dick