
Some of Washington’s most powerful insiders are making no effort to hide their disdain for President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony but are refusing to participate in the inaugural luncheon. This decision breaks from a tradition meant to symbolize unity and respect between past and present leaders.
The inaugural luncheon, first held in 1897, has served as a moment for political rivals to come together, if only symbolically. Yet these former presidents have chosen to skip the event, highlighting their unwillingness to acknowledge Trump’s leadership.
"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
Adding to the tension, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will not be attending the inauguration. While she is recovering from hip surgery, Pelosi has remained active in Washington, suggesting her absence is a calculated political move. Pelosi has long been one of Trump’s fiercest opponents, leading impeachment efforts and making public displays of defiance.
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 from the event, despite former President Barack Obama confirming his attendance. Michelle Obama’s absence mirrors her decision not to attend former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, further demonstrating her unwillingness to participate in traditional political ceremonies.
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 growing pattern of boycotts from Washington insiders reveals how deep their resentment runs. Their decision to abandon the tradition of the inaugural luncheon stands in contrast to 2017, when they honored the peaceful transfer of power by attending both the ceremony and the luncheon.
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 is hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies and features speeches and toasts to welcome the incoming administration.