Amata attends President Trump’s Inauguration in Capitol Rotunda
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata and Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula attended the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, and Amata applauded the President’s call for a strong but peaceable America and a reinvigorated economy. Governor Pula and a group of the nation’s governors had the opportunity of an audience with President Trump after his inaugural speech.
The inauguration was moved inside due to winter weather. Congresswoman Amata joined the limited in-person audience in the Capitol Rotunda, and thousands of attendees had other viewing venues as well as a range of inaugural balls and events in the nation’s capital.
“In addition to the cold, the previous day’s wintry snow, rain and sleet mix might have made the planned outdoor event messy and miserable, so they made that difficult decision ahead of time,” said Congresswoman Amata.
“Each inauguration is historic, and this one is only the second time in U.S. history that a President is serving nonconsecutive terms, for the first time in more than a century,” she continued. “President Trump has made clear he has an energetic agenda, and my role is to look for ways to benefit American Samoa, and especially to always ensure we are fully included and have equality with the states in the policy and legislative changes that are part of every Congress.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to be at a number of presidential inaugurations, and it is always an impressive sight that emphasizes our American ideals of liberty, a celebration of our country, and our peaceful exchange of the executive power in the tradition established by our first President George Washington, when he retired after two terms.”
“The start of 2025 is a time of optimism, as we all desire the very best for the nation. Congress and the American people want a nation that is strong, secure, flourishing and at peace,” she concluded. “To former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, thank you for your public service. Congratulations to President Trump and Vice President Vance and I look forward to working with this administration, our own Territory’s government, and my colleagues in Congress in a bipartisan way for what is best for American Samoa.”