Lewis, leading a pack of 18 lawmakers, has blasted Trump in an interview on CNN, saying he would boycott the ceremony for the first time since 1987 because he doesn't see Trump as a "legitimate" president in light of the Russian interference.
White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough later told the network that "these Democrats and others have pointed out that they have got significant concerns (over Russian meddling with the purpose of helping one candidate and hurting the other)."
He said Trump reaching out to Lewis would send a message to Americans that "we're prepared to work together, but would also send a message to the Russians, that we are united."
"Their efforts to divide Americans, to weaken the country, to advance their own interests, at the expense of America, is going to fail."
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"Congressman John Lewis should finally focus on the burning and crime infested inner-cities of the US. I can use all the help I can get!" Trump said sarcastically in a tweet.
"Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to...Mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results. All talk, talk, talk - no action or results. Sad!" he said in a series of tweets.
"By going to Selma - like President (George W) Bush, President (Bill) Clinton, President Obama - maybe he would learn something," Lewis told NBC's 'Meet the Press'.
"Iwould not invite him to come," he said, but quickly added he would not do anything to stop Trump from coming.
McDonough also insisted the outgoing Obama administration believes Trump is the elected president of the country; and this has been articulated by Obama several times in the past.
But Obama does not plan to jump into the debate of legitimate and illegitimate of the election of Trump.
"The president is not going to get in the middle of this right now," he said.
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