According to multiple individuals who spoke to NBC News, former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama will not be present at President-elect Donald Trump’s customary inaugural lunch.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Obama was invited but chose not to go. Bush’s office stated that it was not tracking an invitation to the luncheon, while a second person with knowledge of the situation stated that Clinton was also invited but does not intend to attend.
According to a third person with knowledge of the situation, former Secretary of State and first lady Hillary Clinton was also invited to the inauguration luncheon but will not be going.
A request for comment regarding the luncheon absences was not immediately answered by a representative of Trump’s transition team.
However, according to their teams, all three past presidents will be present for Trump’s swearing-in event earlier in the day. According to the Obama administration, all of the former first ladies—aside from Michelle Obama—will be present at the swearing-in event. There was no explanation given. Michelle Obama was the only live current and former presidents and first ladies to miss the memorial 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.
Trump was not endorsed by any of the former living presidents. Obama and Clinton vigorously campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris, whereas Bush did not endorse her.
Following Trump’s victory against Hillary Clinton in 2017, the Clintons went to the luncheon. Trump urged Hillary Clinton, his opponent in the 2016 election, to receive a standing ovation during the luncheon.
“When I learned that President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton would be visiting today, I felt incredibly honored,” Trump remarked at the time.
According to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), which organizes the luncheon, the first luncheon tradition dates back to 1897, when the Senate Committee on Arrangements hosted a meal for then-President William McKinley and guests in the Capitol.
The luncheon for the incoming president, vice president, and their guests was first held by the JCCIC in 1953. Politicians usually give speeches and toast the new government at the meal.