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Obama, Clinton, and Bush decline invitation to Trump’s inaugural lunch


Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, as well as former First Lady Hillary Clinton, will not be attending President-elect Donald Trump’s traditional inaugural lunch. Obama declined the invitation, while Clinton and Bush did not plan to attend. The former first ladies, except for Michelle Obama, will also not be attending the lunch. The reason for Michelle Obama’s absence was not provided. All three former presidents, along with the former first ladies, will, however, be attending Trump’s swearing-in ceremony earlier in the day.

Inauguration Day usually sees all former living presidents congregating to usher in the next administration. Trump himself did not attend Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021. None of the former presidents supported Trump’s candidacy, with Bush not endorsing, and Obama and Clinton actively campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris.

The inaugural luncheon tradition dates back to a lunch hosted by the Senate Committee on Arrangements in 1897 for President William McKinley. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) has been hosting the luncheon since 1953 for the incoming president, vice president, and their guests. During the lunch, speeches are delivered, and toasts are made to the new administration.

At the 2017 luncheon, Trump encouraged a standing ovation for Hillary Clinton, who ran against him in the 2016 election. The Obamas’ office did not provide a reason for Michelle Obama’s absence from the luncheon or from the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter the previous week.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com

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