Staff Reports
The absence of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration has been confirmed, and nobody is particularly surprised. An announcement from her spokesperson simply stated that she would not be attending, leaving many to speculate whether she might be too busy plotting her next political stunt or simply avoiding yet another cringe-worthy confrontation.
Historically, Pelosi and Trump have shared a relationship that could best be described as tempestuous. While she graced his 2017 inauguration with her presence when she was still House Democratic leader, the honeymoon ended quickly. Over the course of his presidency, they became more embroiled in public spats than a pair of toddlers fighting over a toy. Who can forget the infamous Oval Office shouting match in 2018? Or the dramatic moment in 2020 when Pelosi theatrically ripped up Trump’s State of the Union address as if it were some school paper that received a C-minus? For those keeping score, that’s one torn speech and zero class.
MAGA is big mad that Nancy Pelosi has decided to skip Donald Trump's inauguration.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) January 16, 2025
In the world of political bickering, Pelosi has consistently made her disdain for Trump clear, describing him and his allies in ways that sound like she’s in the wrong line at a grocery store. The former Speaker has alleged that she will “never forgive” Trump for the supposed “trauma” the Capitol Hill staff faced on January 6, 2021. Yet, amidst her displays of horror, some may remember her candidly acknowledging security failures that day, which included a notable lack of preparedness for any possible unrest. Perhaps “never forgive” is merely a euphemism for “never take responsibility.”
This year’s inauguration seems to have a guest list shaped by the discomfort of Democrats, with news that former First Lady Michelle Obama also won’t be attending. While details on her absence remain vague, the common thread of disdain for Trump runs strong in both Pelosi and Obama. Michelle, known for her eloquent criticisms of the President, has repeatedly painted Trump as a specter of fear, proclaiming he perceives success and competence as threats to his own standing. It’s quite the flattering portrait coming from folks who spent eight years in the highest office.
What’s particularly humorous is how absent applause is in these absences. The Democrats appear to be staging their own pity party, opting to skip the inaugural festivities while not-so-subtly revealing their insecurities about a Trump presidency. It seems they curse the day he won while simultaneously showing their backs to the event. If only their artistry in political theater translated into actual governance, America might have a completely different scoreboard. But alas, as history has shown, political grudges in the age of Trump often lead to missed opportunities for constructive dialogue, preferring instead the path of resistance, complete with self-righteousness and theatrical exits.
