President Biden and first lady Jill Biden will attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, the White House confirmed on Monday. This decision comes after Mr. Biden had previously stated that he would attend, regardless of the election outcome. In contrast, Trump did not attend Mr. Biden’s 2021 inauguration, which occurred two weeks after his supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the election results. Trump’s absence marked the first time in over 150 years that a sitting president did not attend his successor’s inauguration.
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, White House spokesman Andrew Bates reiterated the president’s commitment to attending the inauguration. Bates stated, “The president promised that he would attend the inauguration of whomever won the election. He and the first lady are going to honor that promise and attend the inauguration. He views that as an important demonstration of commitment to our democratic values and to honoring the will of the people as we continue to provide an orderly and effective transition.”
Despite the plans for the Biden administration to attend Trump’s inauguration, there are still outstanding issues regarding the transition process. While White House chief of staff Jeff Zients has met with incoming White House chief of staff Susie Wiles multiple times, critical agreements between the two administrations have not yet been signed. This lack of agreement is causing delays in the security clearance process, as the Trump transition team has not entered into agreements with the White House or the General Services Administration.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for both administrations to work together to ensure a smooth and efficient transition of power. The peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of American democracy, and it is essential that all parties involved uphold this tradition. By attending Trump’s inauguration, President Biden is demonstrating his commitment to democratic values and the peaceful transfer of power, despite the challenges and obstacles that may arise during the transition process.
As the inauguration date approaches, it is important for both administrations to prioritize cooperation and collaboration in order to facilitate a successful transition. The American people expect and deserve a seamless transfer of power, and it is up to both the incoming and outgoing administrations to ensure that this process is carried out effectively and efficiently.
In conclusion, the decision for President Biden and first lady Jill Biden to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration is a significant step towards upholding democratic values and ensuring a peaceful transition of power. Despite the challenges and delays in the transition process, it is imperative for both administrations to work together to facilitate a smooth transfer of power for the benefit of the country and its citizens.
