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As Trump begins second term, New Hampshire’s leaders express hopes and concerns

As Trump begins second term, New Hampshire’s leaders express hopes and concerns

Scenes from a protest in Manchester organized by a coalition of progressive groups during Donald Trump's second inauguration. New Hampshire's political landscape is sharply divided as President Trump takes office for a second term. (Colin Booth/Granite Post)

By Colin Booth

January 20, 2025

As the nation witnessed Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second term as President, Democratic leaders stressed a cautious willingness to work with the Trump administration to deliver positive outcomes for Granite Staters, while Republican leaders celebrated his return to the White House and support for retribution against his enemies.

Majority leader for the New Hampshire State House Jason Osborne used the occasion to suggest the state should file criminal charges against former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci after a preemptive pardon by former President Joe Biden due to threats of political prosecutions by Trump during his campaign.

“Biden can’t pardon Fauci for state crimes. Which will be the first to bring charges? New Hampshire, Florida, or other?” Osborne said on social media.

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley said he was focused on the implications of Trump’s economic policies to inflict harm on New Hampshire, and holding Republicans responsible.

“Whether we’re impacted by Trump’s proposed tariffs, which will hurt our trade industries with Canada, or his proposed cuts to Medicaid, which almost 200,000 Granite Staters rely on. For the next four years, our focus will remain on holding him, Governor Ayotte, and New Hampshire Republicans accountable for their lockstep policies’ negative impact on New Hampshire”

RELATED: Shaheen confronts troubled Trump defense pick over women-in-the-military views

Governor Kelly Ayotte wished Trump well in a statement.

“Congratulations to President Trump on his inauguration today! Joe and I wish him, Melania, and his family the best as they get to work for the American people.”

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen emphasized the significance of the peaceful transfer of power and holding Trump accountable: “Now that he has been sworn in for a second term, it is my hope that President Trump will focus on being president for all Americans.” She expressed her readiness to collaborate across party lines to tackle pressing issues such as economic opportunity, national security, and lowering costs for American families.

Congressman Chris Pappas highlighted the need to set aside political divisions and focus on urgent national issues such as the cost of living, border security, and immigration reform. While expressing readiness to cooperate with the Trump administration, Pappas also pledged to oppose policies he views as harmful, such as significant tariffs, tax breaks for the wealthy, and cuts to social security programs. 

“I will always stand up for fundamental freedoms, including a woman’s right to choose,” he added.

Representative Maggie Goodlander shared her reflections on the ceremony, drawing inspiration from the historical context provided by the statues of Dr. Martin Luther King and President Abraham Lincoln at the Capitol. Goodlander congratulated President Trump on his inauguration and reiterated her commitment to work with all willing parties to support Granite Staters in various areas including small business protection, veteran services, and maintaining fundamental freedoms.

New Hampshire Senate Democratic Leader Rebecca Perkins Kwoka struck a similar tone, saying, “So many of us in America share a lot of the same dreams for our country, and may disagree how we get there… the New Hampshire Senate Democrats are here to work for that future no matter what comes next.”

At a protest in Manchester organized by a coalition of progressive groups, mother and daughter duo Darin and Linda said they decided to show up to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and share gathering strength from like minded people to get through the next four years.

“I can’t wrap my head around someone who’s a convicted felon being the leader of this country. And for me, my opinion is that he’s an absolute racist… I think it’s important that we all understand that we do these little things – these protests in our community – to make sure that this doesn’t happen again and again and again,” said Linda.

Author

  • Colin Booth

    Based in Epsom, Colin Booth is Granite Post's political correspondent. A Granite State native and veteran political professional with a deep background in journalism, he's worked on campaigns and programs in battleground states across the country, ranging from New Hampshire, Texas, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.

CATEGORIES: NATIONAL POLITICS

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