Officials Who Skipped Trump’s Inauguration
On Monday, President Donald Trump was sworn into office for a second term in a historic ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol. The event, attended by numerous dignitaries, including his predecessor President Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, was a moment of national significance. However, several high-profile figures chose to skip the occasion, citing personal or political reasons.
Michelle Obama’s Absence
Former First Lady Michelle Obama, who has been a vocal critic of Trump over the years, was notably absent from the inauguration. While her husband, former President Barack Obama, attended the ceremony, Michelle Obama’s absence was confirmed through a statement by the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama. She has long been outspoken about her disdain for Trump’s rhetoric and policies, famously criticizing his divisive views during her speeches. In the past, she accused Trump of fostering fear and division in the country, particularly over race relations.
Nancy Pelosi Declines to Attend
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has had a contentious relationship with President Trump since his first term, also chose not to attend. Pelosi, who famously presided over Trump’s impeachment hearings, has been an ardent critic of the former president, especially over the events surrounding the 2020 election and January 6th. She has publicly stated that she would “never forgive” Trump for attempting to overturn the election results. A spokesperson for Pelosi confirmed her absence, although no further details were provided.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Skips the Event
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), known for her outspoken progressive views, also decided to skip the inauguration. In a TikTok post, Ocasio-Cortez made it clear that she would not attend, citing her opposition to Trump’s character and behavior. She remarked that she would not “celebrate rapists,” referencing the legal cases that have surrounded Trump in recent years. While a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse in a 2023 civil case, they did not find him guilty of rape.
Karen Pence’s Absence
Another notable absence was former Second Lady Karen Pence, wife of former Vice President Mike Pence. While she attended the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter earlier in January 2025, she chose not to attend Trump’s second inauguration. Her absence is significant, given the strained relationship between her husband and President Trump after the January 6th Capitol riot, where Mike Pence was forced to evacuate as rioters sought to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election results.
As tensions continue to simmer between former allies within the Republican Party, the absence of these prominent figures underscores the division that remains, even as President Trump embarks on his second term. Whether it’s due to personal beliefs, political disagreements, or a complicated history with the former president, these absences reflect a broader fracture in American politics that goes beyond party lines.
