Royal Snub? These former U.S presidents will not attend the inaugural lunch on Donald Trump's inauguration day

Trump's inaugural lunch will not be attended by former Presidents Obama, Clinton, or Bush. Obama was invited but chose not to go. Bush's office stated it was not tracking an invitation to the lunch, while a second source with knowledge of the situation said Clinton is also invited but did not intend to attend, as quoted in a report by NBC News.

According to a third source with knowledge of the situation, former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton was also invited to the inaugural luncheon but will not be going.

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However, according to their teams, all three former presidents will be present at Trump's swearing-in ceremony earlier in the day. According to the Obamas' office, all of the former first ladies, apart from Michelle Obama, will be present at the swearing-in ceremony, as quoted in a report by NBC News.

There was no explanation given. Among all living current and former presidents and first ladies, Michelle Obama was the only one who did not attend the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter last week.

One of the few times that all of the previous presidents who are still alive gather to welcome the new administration is on Inauguration Day. However, Trump chose not to go to the 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden. Not a single surviving former president endorsed Trump's campaign.

Obama and Clinton actively campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris, while Bush did not endorse her.

Following Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton in 2017, the Clintons went to the luncheon. He urged a standing ovation for her during the luncheon. When Trump learned that President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton would be visiting today, he said that he was very honoured.

What is the History Behind the Inaugural Lunch Tradition?

According to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), which organizes the luncheon, the first luncheon tradition dates back to a lunch the Senate Committee on Arrangements threw for President William McKinley and guests at the Capitol in 1897.

The luncheon for the incoming president and vice president and their guests was first held by the JCCIC in 1953. Politicians usually toast the new government during their speeches.

FAQs

Why didn't former Presidents attend Trump's inaugural lunch?
Obama, Clinton, and Bush declined invitations to the lunch, with no specific reason given. However, all three attended the earlier swearing-in ceremony, which is a traditional event that marks the transition of power.

What is the importance of the inaugural lunch?
The inaugural luncheon, which has been a tradition since 1897, brings together incoming presidents and vice presidents for speeches and toasts. It demonstrates bipartisan support for the new administration.