In The News

By Tom Lehman

President Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday drew varying reactions from elected leaders in Pennsylvania, with allies welcoming Trump's re-election and some trepidation from Democrats concerned what policies might result from a second Trump presidency.

Congressman Dan Meuser (R) said he was pleased to see Trump return to the White House and expected a number of executive orders to occur within the initial hours, days, and weeks in office to change or reverse course on Biden administration policies.

Chief among them, Meuser said, was changing federal energy policies, particularly to allow for more oil drilling and lifting a ban on liquified natural gas. Other orders could target the border crisis and security.

"They'll be meaningful. Remain in Mexico, for instance, on the border, treating the drug dealing cartels who bring death to the United States as active terrorist organizations," he said.

Susquehanna Valley Congressman Scott Perry (R) in a post on X welcomed Trump back to the White House.

"America will experience a resurgence of strength, greatness and exceptionalism, like never before," he wrote.

In a statement, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) congratulated Trump and hopes they will be able to find common ground on issues that would benefit Pennsylvanians.

"I remain committed to those commonsense Pennsylvania priorities, and where our priorities are aligned, I stand ready to work with the Trump administration to continue our progress here in Pennsylvania," he said, while also noting that his administration would fight efforts and policies infringing on the rights of Pennsylvanians.

At the state legislative level, some Democrats expressed trepidation about a second Trump administration.

State Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Harrisburg) said he wouldn't spend much time or concern over unserious proposals floated by Trump on social media and wanted to see what the president actually pushed for as part of his platform.

"When it comes to the federal budget and how tax cuts are going to be paid for and if it goes after social services programs, obviously that does affect people in my district," he said.