Democratic mayor apologizes for attending Trump inaugural event

The new Democratic mayor of Mount Laurel, Nikitas Moustakas, says he regrets a decision to attend a party celebrating the inauguration of President Donald Trump this week, something he said he did at the request of clients of his law firm.

Moustakas was recorded dancing at the inaugural event held at The Union League of Philadelphia, where he is a member., causing some Democrats to question his presence.  The images were sent to party leaders and the New Jersey Globe.

In a telephone interview, Moustakas acknowledged that he was at the event.

“On Monday evening, I brought several of my legal clients to a private event to observe the presidential inauguration, and a video clip has since circulated questioning my intentions. It is important to me to set the record clear: I regret attending an event that celebrated a moment that has been heart-wrenching to me as a proud Democrat and the father of three daughters,” Moustakas said.  “After participating in several bipartisan reorganizational ceremonies, I did not consider the difference in this function; frankly, my joyful spirit could be interpreted as such. In retrospect, I get it.”

Moustakas also made his repudiation of Trump clear.

“Not only do I denounce and repudiate the extreme actions of President Trump after a slew of executive orders that attacked the fabric and freedoms of our nation, but I was a steadfast supporter of Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House,” he said.

He noted that he personally contributed $3,300 to Harris’ presidential campaign and $3,500 to the  Harris Victory Fund “because she shares my values.”

“In both my council campaigns in 2020 and 2024, I openly ran against Trump and MAGA extremism to help deliver landslide spreads for Biden and Harris,” Moustakas stated.

Moustakas issued a clear apology.

“Please know that I never intended to offend anyone, and to those who felt hurt by my actions, please know that I genuinely apologize for this,” he said.  “My core belief is in bipartisanship, which, daily I strive to bring to the government of Mount Laurel, and please know I will continue to do so in the future.”