Can’t afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
You’ve supported HuffPost before, and we’ll be honest — we could use your help again. We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can’t do it without you.
Support HuffPost
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
After losing his 2020 reelection, Trump and his wife Melania Trump notably did not attend any of Joe Biden’s inauguration events, including Biden’s swearing-in ceremony.
Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all.
Former first lady Michelle Obama has also said that she will skip the entire day’s events. Though no reason was given, several outlets have pointed to Trump’s years-long personal attacks on her and her family, and her fierce criticism of him while campaigning against his reelection.
“I have a lot of respect for those two people,” he said, before going on to forecast four years of “peace and prosperity” under his administration. He reportedly tried to prosecute Hillary Clinton once in office, according to a 2018 report by The New York Times.
The traditional lunch is scheduled to take place following Monday’s swearing-in ceremony, which all three former presidents have said they will attend.
Representatives for all three former presidents, none of whom endorsed Trump’s reelection, did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s requests for comment Thursday.
You’ve supported HuffPost before, and we’ll be honest — we could use your help again. We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can’t do it without you.
During Trump’s 2017 luncheon, he called for a standing ovation for his former rival, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her husband, saying he was very honored when he heard that they would be attending the event.
