Key departures from historical customs mark this year’s events
Since George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789, traditions like the oath of office and inaugural address have been fundamental to the US presidential transition. However, long-held customs have faced disruptions in recent years.
Four years ago, Republican Donald Trump became the first outgoing president in over 150 years to skip his successor’s inauguration, citing unsubstantiated claims about election fraud. In 2025, Trump will return to the White House ceremonially on 20 January, the constitutionally mandated date for the presidential inauguration.
Democrats have highlighted the contrast between this year’s orderly power transfer and the chaos of 2021, marked by the Capitol riot. Yet, they too are departing from some traditions in smaller but notable ways.
Michelle Obama and Other Key Figures Decline Attendance
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has announced she will not attend the 47th president’s inauguration alongside her husband, Barack Obama, on Monday. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also stated she will skip the ceremony, with other Democrats potentially following suit, though no organised boycott has been planned, unlike the one for Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.
The Obamas provided no explanation for the decision, which comes shortly after Michelle Obama’s absence from Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Her husband attended, interacting with Trump, while other living former first ladies were present. Michelle Obama had attended both inaugurations since leaving the White House, including Trump’s in 2017, which she later criticised for its lack of diversity.
Outgoing Vice President Harris Skips VP Residence Meeting
Traditionally, the outgoing vice president hosts their successor at the VP’s residence. However, sources report that Kamala Harris has not extended this invitation to JD Vance. The Harris team has cited her focus on responding to catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles as a reason for the omission.
This break with tradition mirrors the 2021 transition when Harris took over from Mike Pence amid political tensions. The Harris team denied receiving an invitation from Pence, which his team claims was discreetly offered.
Biden forgoes a Farewell Press Conference
President Joe Biden is unlikely to hold a final press conference, a tradition upheld by presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama but ignored by Trump in 2020.
Biden’s administration has defended his media interactions, pointing to a recent address and a scheduled interview with MSNBC. However, Biden has held fewer press conferences than any president in decades, averaging only 9.4 annually, according to the American Presidency Project.
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