Frustrated Washington Insiders Skip Trump’s Inaugural Traditions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.