
Several Washington insiders are making no effort to hide their frustration as President Donald Trump begins his second term. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony but are refusing to join the traditional inaugural luncheon. This event, a custom since 1897, has long served as a symbolic gesture of unity between former and current leaders.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is boycotting the inauguration altogether. Despite recovering from hip surgery, Pelosi has attended other key political events, indicating that her decision to skip the ceremony is driven by political motives. Pelosi has been a fierce critic of Trump, leading impeachment efforts and making highly publicized gestures 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 will also be absent from the ceremony, although former President Barack Obama will be present. Michelle Obama’s absence follows her decision to skip former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, revealing a growing trend of avoiding bipartisan 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 choice to avoid the luncheon contrasts sharply with their attendance at Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. Back then, they chose to participate in the full slate of events despite political differences. Their absence this time underscores how deeply personal their opposition to Trump has become.
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 inaugural luncheon, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, traditionally features speeches and toasts celebrating the new administration. The decision by these political figures to skip the event highlights their refusal to engage in even symbolic gestures of unity.
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 be absent from the luncheon, joining other political elites in distancing themselves from Trump’s second term.