Published : Saturday, 9 January, 2021 at 12:35 AM, Update: 14.01.2021 11:43:06 PM
Donald Trump and Joe Biden
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would not attend the inauguration of his successor, Democratic President-elect Joe Biden on January 20.
He made the announcement in a tweet hours after promising a peaceful transition of power. To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th, Trump wrote.
There have been discussions at the White House about Trump leaving Washington on January 19, Reuters reported citing a source familiar with the matter . He is expected to travel to his Florida resort, the source said.
Trump, however, is not the first outgoing president to skip the inauguration of his successor. Presidents John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnson did not attend the inauguration of the incoming president, according to the White House Historical Association.
Vice President Mike Pence is expected to attend Biden’s inauguration if he is invited, two people familiar with the matter told NBC News.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who attended Trump’s inauguration, are planning to attend Biden’s inauguration on January 20, according to a spokesman for the Clintons.
Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush have also said they will attend. The Bushes attended former President Barack Obama and Trump’s first inaugurations.
Former President Jimmy Carter will not attend due to Covid-19 and health conditions, according to a spokesperson. Carter, 96, is the oldest living president. Carter and former first lady Rosalyn Carter previously traveled for Obama’s and Trump’s inaugurations.