
As President Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office for his second term, some of Washington’s most entrenched political figures are refusing to fully engage in the traditional inaugural events. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony but have chosen to skip the longstanding inaugural luncheon. This event, dating back to 1897, has historically symbolized unity and respect between past and present leaders.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will not be attending the inauguration at all. Although she is recovering from hip surgery, Pelosi has been present at other major political events, making it clear that her absence is more about politics than health. Pelosi has a long record of opposition to Trump, including leading two impeachment efforts and publicly tearing up his State of the Union address.
"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 first lady Michelle Obama will also be absent from the ceremony. While former President Barack Obama plans to attend, Michelle Obama’s decision continues a pattern of avoiding bipartisan events, including her recent absence from former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral.
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
Bush, Obama and Clinton’s refusal to attend the luncheon marks a sharp contrast from their participation in Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. Their decision highlights a growing unwillingness among Washington elites to honor traditions that demonstrate respect for the office of the president.
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
The inaugural luncheon, organized by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, brings together the president, vice president and congressional leaders in a symbolic show of unity. This event is designed to celebrate the peaceful transfer of power and the start of a new administration.
NOT HUNGRY? Former Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush won't attend Trump's inaugural lunch.https://t.co/hHAJ4Bvx5g
— @amuse (@amuse) January 16, 2025
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also be absent from the luncheon, further reflecting the widening divide between Trump and Washington’s political establishment.