As President Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term, Washington insiders are making no effort to hide their contempt. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are attending Trump’s swearing-in but are deliberately skipping the traditional inaugural luncheon. This bipartisan event, in place since 1897, is meant to promote unity among America’s leaders, but these former presidents are clearly prioritizing their personal animosity over the nation’s customs.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is completely boycotting the inauguration. While recovering from hip surgery, Pelosi has managed to attend other high-profile political events, indicating her absence is more about politics than health. Pelosi has long been one of Trump’s fiercest critics, leading impeachment efforts and making public gestures of disdain, such as tearing up his State of the Union speech.
"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, even as former President Barack Obama plans to attend. Michelle Obama’s absence mirrors her decision to skip former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, adding to the pattern of political disengagement from long-standing traditions.
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 decision to skip the luncheon sharply contrasts with their participation in Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. Back then, they honored the peaceful transfer of power by attending both the ceremony and the luncheon. Their current behavior reveals a growing unwillingness to even appear civil toward Trump’s leadership.
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 lack of participation from key political figures demonstrates how deeply entrenched the hostility toward Trump is within the political establishment. Rather than embracing traditions that bring the country together, these leaders seem content to focus on their own frustrations.
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, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, features speeches and toasts designed to welcome the new administration.
