US President Joe Biden will attend Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, the White House announced Monday, calling it a “commitment to our democratic values” despite Trump skipping Biden’s swearing-in.
Then-President Trump refused to attend Biden’s inauguration in 2021, after falsely claiming that Biden’s election victory was fraudulent and whipping up a mob of supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol.
“The president promised he would attend the inauguration of whoever wins the election,” Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates told reporters traveling with Biden on Air Force One.
“He and the first lady will honor that promise and attend the inauguration.”
Bates added: “He views this as an important demonstration of our commitment to our democratic values and respect for the will of the people, as we continue to ensure an orderly and effective transition.”
Despite repeatedly describing Trump as a threat to democracy during the 2024 campaign, Democrat Biden was keen to offer Trump the smooth transition that the Republican denied him.
Biden invited President-elect Trump to the White House the week after the Nov. 5 vote, in which Trump defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris to win a historic comeback.
Biden, 82, abandoned his own bid for a second term in July and backed Harris after a disastrous debate against Trump sparked fears among Democrats about her age and mental acuity.