Earlier this week, reports emerged that Michelle Obama will not attend Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. While her office hasn’t officially commented, sources suggest that her absence is a deliberate “statement” of disapproval. According to insiders, she views Trump as “undeserving of the presidency” and believes that skipping the event is consistent with her vocal criticism of him during his campaigns.
On Thursday, we learned that Obama won’t be alone in this. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also plans to skip the ceremony. The spokesperson who confirmed her absence didn't offer an explanation. Pelosi did attend Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. According to ABC News, this will mark the first she has missed an inauguration, having first attended John F. Kennedy’s in 1961 while she was in high school.
“Pelosi has mostly maintained cordial relationships with Republican presidents, particularly George W. Bush despite their differences over the Iraq War and Afghanistan,” ABC News reports. “But the friction and public battles with Trump, including shouting matches in the Oval Office — have created headlines — such as when she pointed a finger at him in a White House photo opportunity or when she stood over his shoulder and ripped up a copy of his State of the Union remarks in 2020.”
While Pelosi fractured her hip last year and underwent surgery, her absence from the inauguration is unlikely due to health reasons. She appeared on the House floor earlier this month during the certification of Trump’s 2024 victory.
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Both Pelosi’s and Obama’s decisions to skip the event underscore the lingering disdain many Democrats feel for Trump. Some have gone as far as comparing him to Hitler or other authoritarian figures. This behavior isn’t new. In 2017, a significant number of Democrats boycotted Trump’s inauguration over debunked allegations of Russian election interference. As for 2025, it remains unclear just how many Democrats will follow suit and refuse to attend.
But honestly, who cares if they don’t show up? Inaugurations aren’t about political theater or appeasing a handful of disgruntled elites. They’re about celebrating the peaceful transfer — or in this case, return — of power and looking forward to what’s ahead.
Trump’s presidency represents a renewed commitment to American greatness: a thriving economy, secure borders, fair justice, and leadership that prioritizes the American people above all else. These are values that Democrats don’t believe in, and the absence of bitter Democrats only highlights the divide between those invested in progress and those clinging to partisan resentment.
I understand that it looks good for members of both parties to attend. For the most part, Democrats in Congress will show up as expected, and they’ll express their disdain at Trump by not clapping and generally looking like grumps. If you can’t put on a happy face and celebrate the peaceful transfer of power, then you’re better off not going.
For those of us who believe in Trump’s vision for America, Obama and Pelosi’s absence doesn’t matter. It’s not about them — it’s about the country. A Trump-led America promises a brighter, stronger future. Let the naysayers skip the ceremony. We’ll be celebrating the promise of better days ahead without them. Besides, they’re not going to help make America great again; if they don’t want to show up, it’s fine with me.
