Congressional delegation, governor, attorney general unite against Trump

Delaware’s congressional delegation, governor and attorney general gathered April 26 for a town hall in Wilmington to blast President Donald J. Trump and his policies, but the blast turned on them an hour into the event when protestors rose in support of Gaza.

The all-Democrat panel had no kind words for the Trump administration, calling their policies cruel and accusing them of stealing federal funds.

Sen. Chris Coons said the first 100 days have been unlike anything he’s seen in his 25 years of service.

“It’s hard to explain,” Coons said. “There are so many things that have been impacted in recent weeks, it’s hard to even keep track of it all.”

Coons took issue with immigration polices and cuts in federal funding.

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester said the word of today is “uncertainty” for businesses and federal workers.

“We are going to continue to make sure we have a strong economy … but also that we have a democracy,” she said. “We’re leaning forward.”

Rep. Sarah McBride said they are all part of Team Delaware.

“It is our job, it is our responsibility to stand firm and stand up for the people of this state,” McBride said.

Gov. Matt Meyer gave credit to AmeriCorps for his public service journey, and he took issue with potential cuts to the program.

“Now one person backed by billionaires is trying to do anything he can to serve their interests and not our interests,” Meyer said. “We are going to find a way as Delawareans to come together to celebrate the freedom, not just of the few, but of everyone, and make sure we deliver for Delaware and show this country the magical, abundant place that we can be.”

He said when Attorney General Kathleen Jennings was elected, she probably didn’t imagine filing the number of lawsuits that she has against the Trump administration. Delaware is one of about a dozen blue states that has routinely signed on to lawsuits against the Trump administration, and more are expected.

Jennings acknowledged that Democrat attorneys general are filing the lawsuits.

“We are going it alone. But we are strong in a single will,” she said.

Jennings said the group started filing lawsuits on Day 1 of the Trump administration and will continue to do so.

“I think we sued them 16 or 17 times now, and when we file the AmeriCorps lawsuit, it’ll be 18,” Jennings said.

Some audience members said they want to see more impeachment proceedings. 

Coons said he hectors Republican senators and “hopefully at some point we will find four that are willing to vote for anything that slows Trump down.” 

As of now, McBride said articles of impeachment would go nowhere in the House, and a massive supermajority would be needed to remove Trump from office.

“I doubt the public is with us at this point on that issue yet,” McBride said. “Calling for the impeachment 100 days into his administration, regardless of how warranted, is not where the public is right now.”

Blunt Rochester said even though Democrats don’t have the votes, pressure can still be applied on policies such as tariffs. She encouraged constituents to reach out and share their stories.

“You’re helping build a case,” Blunt Rochester said.

But when the protest came to them, the tone quickly changed. 

About an hour into the forum, several protestors spoke out and shouted their concern over Gaza before they were removed. Blunt Rochester said she has consistently supported Israel’s right to exist, and Gaza’s right to self-determination.

“I called for a ceasefire and I stand by that,” she said. “I want to see peace in this world.”

Coons said protestors have picketed his home with bullhorns and drums, disrupting his neighborhood to express their perspective, but he supports their right to do so. A protestor quickly followed up with a ringing, “That’s bull****.” 

“If you wonder why it’s hard to have a reasoned conversation on this topic, this might prove the point,” Coons said. “Honestly, please stop yelling or be removed.”

Coons also said he supports the right of Palestinians to self-determination, a two-state solution, and the urgency of a ceasefire.