Spanberger slams Trump administration during her inauguration speech in Virginia

Democrat Abigail Spanberger delivered several blows to the Trump administration Saturday as she was sworn in as Virginia’s first female governor.

Spanberger, who handily defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in November and succeeded Republican Glenn Youngkin, told the crowd at the state Capitol: “I know many of you are concerned about the recklessness coming out of Washington.

“You are concerned about policies that harm our communities, reduce access to health careputting rural hospitals at risk and increasing costs. You worry about policies in Washington that shut down markets, harm innovation and private industry, and attack those who have dedicated their lives to public service,” Spanberger said.

“You worry about an administration that is gilding buildings while schools are crumbling, breaking, breaking, shattering the social safety net and sowing fear in our communities, betraying the values ​​of who we are as Americans, the very values ​​we celebrate here on these steps,” she continued.

VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS MOVE TO seize redistricting power, opening door to 4 new left-leaning seats

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger speaks during inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol on Saturday in Richmond, Virginia. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

“And across the Commonwealth, everything is getting more and more expensive. Groceries, medicine, day care, the electric bill, the rent and the mortgage. Families are strained, children are stressed, and it all seems to be getting harder and harder,” Spanberger added.

She then said: “Growing up, my parents always taught me that when faced with something unacceptable, you have to speak up.”

YOUNGKIN SUPPORTS JD VANCE FOR 2028, CALLS VICE PRESIDENT A “GREAT” GOP CANDIDATE

Abigail Spanberger takes the oath of office as governor of Virginia during inaugural activities Saturday at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia. (AP Photo/Stéphanie Scarbrough)

“You have to take action. You have to correct what you think is wrong and fix what isn’t working. And I know that some who are here today, or watching from home, may disagree with the litany of challenges and difficulties that I have outlined,” Spanberger also said. “Your view may differ from mine, but that does not stop us from working together to find common cause.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for a response to Spanberger’s remarks.

Abigail Spanberger participates in the key exchange with outgoing Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin before the inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

“The history and gravity of this moment is not lost on me. I have a deep sense of gratitude to those who are working, generation after generation, to ensure that women can be among those who vote,” Spanberger said at one point in his speech.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Before his inauguration speech, Youngkin posted a video on X where he declared it was “the honor of his life” to serve the state.