Press "Enter" to skip to content

Chappelle-Nadal apologizes to President Trump

BY JESSICA MACHETTA, CLAYTON TIMES

FERGUSON, Mo. – State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal made a public statement at Wellspring United Methodist Church today to apologize to the public, the Missouri Legislature, and President Donald Trump and his family for her remarks on Facebook Thursday saying she hoped he would be assassinated.

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal stands with supporters at Wellspring Church in Ferguson to apologize to Trump, the Legislature, and all Missourians. (Photo by Jessica Machetta)

“Today, I attended a wonderful service here at Wellspring, and the title of the service was ‘I stand accused’. And I do, rightfully, because I made a mistake. And you know what I’m reminded of? We are all human,” she said. “I’m also a child of God, as well as every single person standing behind me.”

She said the message sent to her by God is that she’s here to serve as a teacher and translator, but most of all, as a servant — to God and to the people she represents in the State Legislature.
“I failed them both recently,” she said, “but I’m reminded of the kindness that has been afforded me and so many others who have made mistakes in their lives.”

After speaking briefly about scripture, she issued an apology to Trump.

“I want to make this apology to our President and his family,” she said. “President Trump, I apologize to you and your family. I also apologize to all of the people in Missouri, and I also apologize to my colleagues in the Missouri Legislature.”

Chappelle-Nadal addressed her supporters and the press saying she would continue to fight for important issues, specifically, radioactive waste in North St. Louis County.

“I am never going to make a mistake like that again,” she said. “I have learned my lesson. My judge and my jury is my Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Lt. Gov. Mike Parson said at a press conference in Springfield Friday that Chappelle-Nadal had an ultimatum: Resign by the start of veto session Sept. 13, or prepare to face expulsion proceedings by her colleagues in the Missouri Senate.

She made no indication today that she would resign, but instead said she would continue to fight.

Most of her supporters there were tight-lipped, but we spoke with Umar Lee, a St. Louis activist.

“I believe there’s a lot of fake outrage from people who did not like her. A hope is not a threat. She’s apologized to President Trump, now it’s time for everyone to move on, including Lt. Gov. Mike Parson, Gov. Greitens, and County Executive Steve Stenger,” he said.

As for Democratic Party leadership also calling for her resignation, Lee says, “Democratic leadership has always had a bone to pick with Maria because she wouldn’t fall in line.”