Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, according to her spokesperson. Pelosi, who led House Democrats during the first Trump administration and attended his inauguration in 2017, has become one of Trump’s chief antagonists, overseeing both impeachments against him while serving as Speaker of the House.
While Pelosi’s spokesperson did not provide a reason for her planned absence from the president-elect’s second inauguration, ABC News first reported on her decision. One possible factor could be Pelosi’s recent health issues. In December, Pelosi fell and injured her hip during an overseas trip to Luxembourg, requiring hip replacement surgery before returning to the U.S. She was seen using a walker in the Capitol when the new Congress convened earlier this month.
Pelosi, who stepped down from leadership after the 2022 midterm elections, has been vocal about her opposition to Trump as he prepares to return to office. A frequent target of Republican criticism, Pelosi was among the targets of some of the rioters on January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to delay the counting of electoral votes.
The California Democrat accused Trump earlier this month of inciting further violence in the aftermath of the Capitol attack, including against her husband. During an interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Pelosi stated, “He called out to these people to continue their violence, my husband being a victim of all of that.” Pelosi revealed that her husband still suffers from a head injury after a man broke into their San Francisco home and attacked him with a hammer in October 2022.
Former first lady Michelle Obama also plans to skip Trump’s inauguration, although her husband, former President Barack Obama, is expected to be present at the swearing-in ceremony. Trump notably skipped President Biden’s inauguration in 2021, just two weeks after the violent attack on the Capitol.
Pelosi’s decision to skip Trump’s inauguration reflects the deep political divisions and personal animosity that have characterized the relationship between the two leaders. Despite serving in a position that traditionally requires attendance at such events, Pelosi’s absence sends a clear message about her feelings towards Trump and his presidency.
As a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and a vocal critic of Trump, Pelosi’s decision is likely to be interpreted as a symbolic gesture of protest against his policies and actions. By choosing not to attend the inauguration, Pelosi is signaling her disapproval of Trump’s presidency and his controversial tenure in office.
In the context of the ongoing political turmoil and polarization in the United States, Pelosi’s absence from Trump’s inauguration further underscores the deep divisions within the country. The decision not to attend such a significant event is a reflection of the intense partisan and personal animosity that has characterized the relationship between Pelosi and Trump.
Despite her absence, Pelosi’s influence and impact on American politics remain significant. As a key figure in the Democratic Party and a prominent voice in Congress, Pelosi continues to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape and driving the party’s agenda.
Overall, Pelosi’s decision not to attend Trump’s inauguration is a significant development in the ongoing political drama that has unfolded in recent years. It reflects the deep divisions and animosity that exist within American politics and underscores the challenges facing the country as it seeks to heal and move forward.
