Barack Obama, Bill Clinton & George W. Bush To Skip Donald Trump’s Inaugural Luncheon

Barack Obama, Bill Clinton & George W. Bush To Skip Donald Trump’s Inaugural Luncheon

Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush will not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural lunch, although all three plan to be present for his swearing-in ceremony earlier that day. Barack Obama and Bill Clinton declined the lunch invitation, while George W. Bush’s office stated it did not track an invitation for him. Hillary Clinton also received an invite but will not attend.

Donald Trump’s transition team did not comment on their absences. While Michelle Obama will miss the swearing-in ceremony, the other former first ladies will attend. Inauguration Day typically sees all living former presidents gather, but Donald Trump notably skipped Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

Trump’s relationship with these former presidents has been strained, as none supported his candidacy. Despite this, the Clintons attended Trump’s 2017 luncheon, where he praised Hillary Clinton. The inaugural luncheon tradition dates back to 1897, and has been hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee since 1953.