Staff Reports
The inaugural luncheon, a long-standing tradition meant to foster camaraderie among past and present leaders, might as well come with a “no thank you” RSVP from the usual suspects. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush have opted to skip President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural luncheon, even though they’ll still be present for the swearing-in ceremony. Talk about commitment to anything but comradery in a bipartisan spirit.
The absence of Obama and Clinton was confirmed by their respective offices, while Bush’s team conveniently stated they hadn’t even received an invitation. Perhaps there’s some irony in Bush’s predicament—formerly the “nice guy” of the GOP, it seems a few years away from power has made him forget the first rule of engaging with those on the other side: always check your mailbox. Or perhaps it’s a strategic choice to avoid the buffet—no one wants to run the risk of eating next to someone they openly disagree with.
Meanwhile, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will have their floral tea time with Donald and Melania Trump at the White House prior to the inauguration, as if serving a Potomac-style peace offering on teacups and crumpets can heal the rifts created by years of political theater. The Bidens still make the ceremonial rounds, signaling their willingness to play nice, even if former presidents might just prefer their ruffles in silence.
Typically, former presidents show up for these events to promote the notion of a peaceful transfer of power that Americans hold dear. But the big names not showing up at the luncheon do add a twist to that notion. After all, while the Clintons were dutiful attendees four years ago, this time, they’re shedding the politeness cloak. One wonders whether they’ll whine like a skateboarding teenager told to clean their room or just roll with the indignity of not being in the lunch spotlight for a change.
Obama, Clinton, Bush to snub Trump’s inaugural luncheonhttps://t.co/HIAhhIhvoO pic.twitter.com/CLCzWrnfiV
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 16, 2025
Lastly, it doesn’t escape notice that Michelle Obama has opted out of both the luncheon and the swearing-in. The reasoning remains undisclosed, but it raises the question—does the thought of being in the same room as Trump stoke the same discomfort as attending a high school reunion with one’s old rival? Notably, she was also MIA at Jimmy Carter’s recent funeral. It’s becoming quite the legacy for the Obamas to ensure they make headlines for their absence rather than their presence.
Thus, while Trump may be set to bask in the glory of his inaugural moments, the former presidents are setting out to show that sometimes, it’s just easier to avoid the lunch table than engage in the dinner conversation of thumb wrestling for who gets the last cupcake on the platter.
