
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.
"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 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.
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
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.
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 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.
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 skip the luncheon, further highlighting the growing partisan divide among Washington insiders.