Obama, Clinton, Bush Will Not Attend Trump’s Inaugural Luncheon

Trump's administration has not commented on the absences from the luncheon.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush will not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural lunch, which goes against tradition.

As reported by NBC News, Obama and Clinton were invited to the event, but both declined to attend. Bush’s office stated it was not looking for an invite to the luncheon.

Former Secretary of State and first lady Hillary Clinton also got an invitation to the inaugural luncheon, but a source stated that she would not attend.

Although the former presidents and first ladies—except Michelle Obama—declined to attend the luncheon, they agreed to attend Trump’s swearing-in ceremony earlier that day.

The Obamas’ office said in a statement, “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”

Michelle Obama also didn’t attend the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter. Barack Obama, George W. and Laura Bush, and Bill and Hillary Clinton attended, as well as current President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, and Trump and Melania Trump.

The decision of so many former presidents to decline to attend the Inaugural luncheon is notable, as it has been a tradition since 1987, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the JCCIC, which hosts the luncheon.

The Trump transition team has not commented on the three former presidents declining the lunch.

None of the former Presidents who declined to attend the luncheon supported Trump’s candidacy. While Bush did not explicitly make an endorsement, Obama and Clinton actively campaigned in opposition for Vice President Kamala Harris.

According to Angel Urena, the Bushes’ representative, they plan to attend Trump’s inauguration. A Clinton representative, Nick Merrill, also announced that they would attend.