Trump leads standing ovation for Hillary Clinton
After months of ‘lock her up’ chants on campaign trail, president honors former rival, says he has ‘a lot of respect’ for her and ex-president Bill Clinton
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WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Friday led a standing ovation for his defeated Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, saying he was “honored” she and her husband had attended his inauguration.
“I was honored when I heard that former president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton were coming today and I would like you to stand up,” he said while addressing lawmakers, his cabinet nominees and other dignitaries at a Congressional luncheon.
“There’s nothing more I can say because I have a lot of respect for those two people,” Trump added as attendees rose and clapped.
The Republican billionaire clashed brutally with both Clintons during the hard-fought campaign — labeling his Democratic rival corrupt, and digging up past allegations of sexual misconduct by her husband. A ubiquitous chant at his rallies on the campaign trail was “lock her up,” and supporters often wore shirts and other garmets bearing the slogan “Hillary Clinton for prison.”
Pres. Donald Trump recognizes Hillary, Bill Clinton at luncheon: "I have a lot of respect for those two people." https://t.co/F4VPLl9rpl pic.twitter.com/1aNzIcqOjJ
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 20, 2017
Clinton has largely retreated from public view since Trump’s upset win in November shattered her hopes of becoming the first female commander-in-chief of the world’s most powerful democracy.
The 69-year-old former senator and secretary of state was spotted earlier this month taking in the final show of “The Color Purple” on Broadway — at which she reportedly received numerous rounds of applause from the audience.
Otherwise, her appearances have largely been confined to walks in the woods near her Chappaqua home, where she has been photographed in minimal make-up by neighbors.
https://twitter.com/thehill/status/822567658466017280/photo/1
Trump’s inauguration — for which she dressed in a streamlined ivory coat and pants — marked her first high-profile public outing in months.
Clinton and her husband were seen hand in hand and smiling as they headed from the inauguration to the Congressional luncheon.
“I’m here today to honor our democracy & its enduring values. I will never stop believing in our country & its future,” Clinton tweeted.
I'm here today to honor our democracy & its enduring values. I will never stop believing in our country & its future. #Inauguration
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 20, 2017
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report
The Times of Israel Community.