Key Washington insiders are refusing to uphold long-standing traditions as President Donald Trump prepares for his second term. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will be present for the swearing-in ceremony but will skip the inaugural luncheon, breaking from a custom designed to show unity and respect among leaders.
The inaugural luncheon has been a tradition since 1897, serving as a symbolic gesture where political rivals set aside differences to celebrate the peaceful transfer of power. By avoiding this event, Bush, Obama and Clinton are signaling that their personal frustrations outweigh national unity.
"The peaceful transfer of power is a sacred foundation of Democracy."
Skipping Trump's inauguration:
– Nancy Pelosi
– Michelle Obama
– AOC
– And ~18 other House Democrats— John LeFevre (@JohnLeFevre) January 16, 2025
Why they hate Trump…
Bush Sr: Globalist = Never Ending Wars
Clinton: Globalist = Never Ending Wars
Bush Jr: Globalist = Never Ending Wars
Obama: Globalist = Never Ending Wars
Trump: America 1st = ENDING WarsNo wonder they are skipping his inauguration.
— C3 (@C_3C_3) January 17, 2025
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has completely opted out of attending the inauguration. While recovering from hip surgery, Pelosi has shown up for other important political gatherings, making her absence appear to be driven by political hostility. Pelosi’s opposition to Trump is well-documented, from leading two impeachment trials to publicly showing disdain for him on the national stage.
The politicians here are of little interest to Americans.
They do not look like Happy Campers.Pelosi won’t attend Trump’s inauguration as Clintons, Bush & Obama plan to skip luncheon. pic.twitter.com/XS7iMiqY98
— Blanche Victoria (@tammytabby) January 16, 2025
. Michelle Obama missing the inauguration, just like she skipped out on Carter’s funeral. They say it’s due to scheduling conflicts. A vacation is not a scheduling conflict.
. Kamala Harris refused to let JD Vance into the VP Residence before Inauguration Day. But her and Doug… pic.twitter.com/E7hUwACrLK
— C-Reason🇺🇸 (@CreasonJana) January 15, 2025
Former first lady Michelle Obama will also be absent, despite former President Barack Obama confirming his attendance. Michelle Obama’s decision to skip the inauguration follows her absence at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, further reflecting her disengagement from bipartisan traditions.
JUST IN: Nancy Pelosi will be skipping Trump’s inauguration.
Not that anyone really cares.
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 16, 2025
Michelle Obama, skipping the inauguration is completely in keeping with the Democratic way of life. No decency. No honor. No class. pic.twitter.com/MT0Zj1AM0p
— Admone (@Admone7) January 15, 2025
This behavior starkly contrasts with 2017 when these former presidents attended Trump’s first inauguration and the luncheon despite political differences. Their decision to avoid the luncheon this time highlights the growing divide between Trump and the Washington establishment.
NOT HUNGRY? Former Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush won't attend Trump's inaugural lunch.https://t.co/hHAJ4Bvx5g
— @amuse (@amuse) January 16, 2025
The inaugural luncheon is hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and is a long-standing tradition where the president and congressional leaders gather to celebrate the start of a new administration.