DuBOIS – U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard, Pa., will have a prime seat when Donald Trump is sworn in as the next president of the United States Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.
“I will be seated behind the presidential platform with other members from the 111th Congress,” Thompson said.
Thompson entered Congress in the 111th Congress, so he’ll be sitting with members of that body, according to Renée Gamela, communications director for Thompson.
“As with the inaugurations in 2009 and 2013, I absolutely look forward to being part of this historic occasion,” Thompson continued. “The peaceful transfer of power defines the United States of America. It is an event like no other, and I am always humbled by witnessing it in our great democracy.”
He doesn’t anticipate meeting President Trump at the inauguration, but he’s holding his hopes up for later.
“The inauguration is very formal and structured, so I don’t expect to meet him there, but perhaps later in the evening we may get to say hello to the President and the First Lady,” he said.
Thompson said he and Mrs. Thompson will attend the Inaugural Ball and also the Agriculture Ball, which he noted “celebrates Pennsylvania’s No. 1 industry – agriculture.”
While Thompson said he has been focused on his legislative work in Washington, D.C. since the 115th Congress began Jan. 3, he noted that Penny, his wife, has reminded him that his shirt needs to be dry-cleaned in advance of the inauguration.
As for what kind of president he expects Donald Trump to be, Thompson commented, “each president is unique and brings his own strengths to the job. What I’ve seen from Mr. Trump so far is that he knows what it takes to be a job creator. The U.S. has one of the most punitive tax codes in the world and numerous over-reaching regulations. As a businessman, he understands the need to change the status quo and boost our economy. Mr. Trump signs paychecks, he knows the challenges are barriers to economic growth and I look forward to seeing him work with Congress to get that done.”
