Frustrated Political Elites Refuse To Participate Fully In Trump’s Inauguration

As President Donald Trump readies to take office for a second term, Washington’s political elites are showing their disdain by abandoning key inaugural traditions. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in but will not participate in the inaugural luncheon, a century-old event symbolizing bipartisan unity. Their absence exposes their unwillingness to respect longstanding customs.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will completely skip the inauguration. While recovering from hip surgery, Pelosi has appeared at other events, signaling that her absence is politically driven. Pelosi’s hostility toward Trump has been clear for years, leading impeachment proceedings and engaging in public displays of defiance.

Former first lady Michelle Obama has also chosen not to attend. Her husband, former President Barack Obama, will be present, but Michelle’s continued absence from bipartisan events — including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter — underscores her disengagement from traditional political ceremonies.

Skipping the inaugural luncheon marks a sharp contrast from 2017 when these former presidents attended both the swearing-in and luncheon despite their political differences. This shift highlights a growing unwillingness to demonstrate even basic respect for the office of the president.

The luncheon, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, has been a tradition since President William McKinley’s inauguration in 1897. It serves as a moment where leaders set aside politics to honor America’s democratic process.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will also skip the luncheon, further highlighting the growing partisan divide among Washington insiders.