Trump broke a tradition in Biden's 2021 inauguration. Now Obama, Bush, and the Clintons set to return the favour

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton will skip the traditional inaugural luncheon for President-elect Donald Trump, according to NBC News. While all three former presidents, along with former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, plan to attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony earlier that day, they will not be present at the subsequent luncheon. Michelle Obama will not attend either event, the report claimed

According to NBC, Obama and Clinton received and declined invitations, while Bush's office indicated no invitation was received. Hillary Clinton also declined the invitation.

Trump's transition is yet to comment on the issue.


This contrasts with the 2017 inauguration, where the Clintons attended the luncheon following Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton. Trump said at the time: "I was very honored, very, very honored when I heard that President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton was coming today.”

Inauguration Day typically sees all living former presidents gather. Trump himself broke with this tradition, opting out of President Biden's inauguration in 2021. None of the former presidents endorsed Trump's candidacy. Bush remained neutral, while Obama and Clinton actively campaigned against him.

The inaugural luncheon, hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, dates back to 1897. Since 1953, it has formally welcomed the incoming president and vice president. The event typically involves speeches and toasts to the new administration.

Donald Trump will be inaugurated President of the United States on Jan. 20.

The 60th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony will commence at 12 p.m. ET.

The highlight of the day, the Swearing-In Ceremony, will see Donald Trump taking the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.