
As President Donald Trump prepares for his second term, prominent Washington insiders are showing their frustration by rejecting key inaugural traditions. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will attend Trump’s swearing-in but will not join the traditional inaugural luncheon. Their absence from this symbolic event reveals a clear refusal to set aside personal and political grudges for the sake of national unity.
The inaugural luncheon, a tradition dating back to 1897, has historically served as an important gesture of bipartisan respect between past and present leaders. By skipping this event, Bush, Obama and Clinton are signaling their unwillingness to acknowledge Trump’s leadership in even the most basic ceremonial way.
"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) is skipping the inauguration entirely. Though she is recovering from hip surgery, Pelosi has been active in other high-profile political events, making her absence from the inauguration appear more like a political statement. Pelosi’s contempt for Trump has been well-documented, from leading impeachment efforts to tearing up his State of the Union address.
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, though former President Barack Obama will attend. Michelle Obama’s decision follows her absence at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, adding to her pattern of avoiding bipartisan events that celebrate American 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
These former presidents and political elites seem unable to move beyond their personal resentment toward Trump, prioritizing their own agendas over the peaceful transition of power. Their absence from the luncheon is a stark contrast to their attendance at Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.
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 Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has organized the inaugural luncheon since President William McKinley’s inauguration, making it one of the nation’s longest-standing traditions.