Former Presidents Obama, Clinton, and Bush will not attend Trump’s inaugural lunch, though they will be present for the swearing-in ceremony.
Washington: So, it looks like former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush won’t be joining President-elect Donald Trump for his inaugural lunch. They all got invites but decided to skip it.
Obama turned down his invitation, and Clinton also won’t be there. Bush’s team mentioned they didn’t even track an invite for him. Interestingly, Hillary Clinton got an invite too but won’t attend either.
Trump’s team hasn’t commented on why these former presidents are absent. However, all three will be at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony earlier that day. The former first ladies will join, except for Michelle Obama, who’s been absent from a few events lately.
Inauguration Day is usually a big deal where all living former presidents gather to welcome the new administration. But remember, Trump skipped Biden’s inauguration back in 2021.
None of these former presidents backed Trump during his campaign. Bush stayed neutral, while Obama and Clinton were out there supporting Kamala Harris. It’s a bit of a twist since the Clintons attended Trump’s luncheon in 2017 after Hillary lost to him.
Back then, Trump even praised them during the lunch, saying he was honored they came. The inaugural luncheon has a long history, dating back to 1897, and it’s a time for speeches and toasts to the new administration.
