Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif, has decided to skip President-elect Trump's upcoming inauguration, as confirmed by her office on Thursday. This marks a departure from her attendance at 11 previous inauguration ceremonies, including Trump's first in 2017. While Pelosi's office has not provided a specific reason for her absence, her history of vocal opposition to the president-elect is well-documented.
President Trump, in turn, has not shied away from criticizing Pelosi, often referring to her as an 'enemy' during his campaign rallies. His disparaging remarks about Pelosi have included calling her 'crooked,' 'bad,' 'evil,' and 'sick.' At a rally in Michigan, Trump even appeared to mouth a derogatory term towards her, though he refrained from saying it aloud.
One of the most memorable instances of Pelosi's opposition to Trump was when she tore up a copy of his State of the Union address while standing behind him on the floor of Congress in 2020.
Former first lady Michelle Obama also plans to skip Trump's inauguration, while her husband, former President Barack Obama, intends to attend. Michelle's absence was also noted at the recent funeral for President Jimmy Carter, where Trump was present.
However, former Presidents Trump, Bush, and Clinton, along with their spouses, all attended Carter's funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 9. Former President Bill Clinton is confirmed to attend next week's swearing-in ceremony, as is former first lady Hillary Clinton. Additionally, the Office of George W. Bush has stated that both the former president and first lady Laura Bush will be in attendance.
It is worth noting that all three former presidents and their wives were present at Trump's first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, despite her loss to Trump in the 2016 presidential election. President-elect Trump and former first lady Melania Trump did not attend President Biden's inauguration in 2021.
