Inauguration No Shows: The Big Names Skipping Donald Trump's Big Day

4 hours ago 2

A few big names in Washington, D.C., skipped President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, including former first lady Michelle Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Newsweek reached out to Trump's team via email for comment.

Why It Matters

A presidential inauguration is a huge event in Washington, D.C., and only happens every few years. Trump's second swearing-in ceremony is arguably more notable than other presidential inaugurations, given his intense election campaign, during which he fought several legal battles, which included accusations that he attempted to overturn President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory illegally.

That case was dismissed following his election victory in November 2024 as it's Justice Department policy not to prosecute sitting presidents. Trump has maintained his innocence in all civil and criminal cases against him.

What To Know

Here are the big names in Washington, D.C., who did not attend Trump's inauguration:

Former first lady Michelle Obama: Michelle Obama's office said last week, "Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration."

California Representative Nancy Pelosi: Pelosi, a Democrat, was House speaker during Trump's first term, oftentimes clashing with him. Trump supporters targeted her during the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. A spokesperson for Pelosi said she would not attend the swearing-in ceremony but did not explain why.

New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive Democrat and an outspoken critic of Trump, said on social media on Sunday, "All these journalists are like, congresswoman, are you going to the inauguration?...Let me make myself clear, I don't celebrate rapists. So no, I'm not going to the inauguration." She appeared to be referring to the two defamation cases filed against Trump by writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s. He was found liable for defamation and sexual abuse, not rape.
Former second lady Karen Pence: Karen Pence was not by her husband, former Vice President Mike Pence's side when he entered the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for his former running mate's inauguration. Mike Pence turned critical of Trump after the U.S. Capitol riot, in which Trump supporters chanted "Hang Mike Pence." He said he was attending the swearing-in ceremony, writing on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, "This is a day when every American does well to celebrate our democracy and the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States."

What People Are Saying

President-elect Donald Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social on Monday: "Never, ever give up. Nothing worth doing ever, ever, ever came easy...Never stop fighting for what you believe in and for the people who care about you. America is beginning a new chapter. Our best days are yet to come; I can promise you that.

President Joe Biden, on X: "It has been the honor of our lifetimes to serve you, the American people."

What Happens Next

Trump will take office at noon inside the U.S. Capital building in Washington, D.C. The swearing-in ceremony, initially planned to be held outside the Capitol, has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda.

Once sworn in, Trump is expected to sign nearly 100 executive orders implementing his new agenda. These orders include shutting down the U.S.-Mexico border, ending the Russia-Ukraine war, reversing Biden-era climate policies, and pardoning January 6 prisoners.

He also plans to issue executive orders renaming two prominent natural features on his first day as president. The Gulf of Mexico will be renamed the Gulf of America, while Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America, will revert to its previous federal name, Mount McKinley.

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