As President Donald Trump prepares for his second term, some of Washington’s most entrenched swamp politicians are exposing their bitterness. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony but are refusing to participate in the traditional inaugural luncheon. Their decision to skip this long-standing tradition reveals a lack of respect for the peaceful transition of power.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is refusing to attend the inauguration altogether. Although she is recovering from hip surgery, Pelosi has managed to attend other political events, making her absence appear more like a political statement than a health necessity. Pelosi’s history of hostility toward Trump is well known, from leading two impeachments to publicly tearing up his State of the Union address.

"The peaceful transfer of power is a sacred foundation of Democracy."

Skipping Trump's inauguration:

– Nancy Pelosi
– Michelle Obama
– AOC
– And ~18 other House Democrats

— John LeFevre (@JohnLeFevre) January 16, 2025

Former first lady Michelle Obama will also be absent, despite her husband’s attendance. Michelle Obama’s decision comes after she skipped former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, further suggesting a pattern of disengagement from bipartisan traditions.

. Michelle Obama missing the inauguration, just like she skipped out on Carter’s funeral. They say it’s due to scheduling conflicts. A vacation is not a scheduling conflict.

. Kamala Harris refused to let JD Vance into the VP Residence before Inauguration Day. But her and Doug… pic.twitter.com/E7hUwACrLK

— C-Reason🇺🇸 (@CreasonJana) January 15, 2025

The inaugural luncheon, dating back to 1897, is a symbol of unity where past and present leaders momentarily put aside their differences. Yet, Bush, Obama and Clinton have chosen to avoid this gathering, signaling they are unwilling to show even a minimal level of courtesy toward the incoming administration.

JUST IN: Nancy Pelosi will be skipping Trump’s inauguration.

Not that anyone really cares.

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 16, 2025

Michelle Obama, skipping the inauguration is completely in keeping with the Democratic way of life. No decency. No honor. No class. pic.twitter.com/MT0Zj1AM0p

— Admone (@Admone7) January 15, 2025

This behavior contrasts sharply with 2017 when these same figures attended Trump’s first inauguration and participated in the luncheon despite political disagreements. Their current refusal highlights just how much their frustration with Trump has intensified.

Why they hate Trump…

Bush Sr: Globalist = Never Ending Wars
Clinton: Globalist = Never Ending Wars
Bush Jr: Globalist = Never Ending Wars
Obama: Globalist = Never Ending Wars
Trump: America 1st = ENDING Wars

No wonder they are skipping his inauguration.

— C3 (@C_3C_3) January 17, 2025

NOT HUNGRY? Former Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush won't attend Trump's inaugural lunch.https://t.co/hHAJ4Bvx5g

— @amuse (@amuse) January 16, 2025

While President Trump is moving forward with his second term, the visible disdain from Washington insiders raises concerns about whether these so-called leaders are more focused on personal grudges than serving the American people.