Outgoing President Joe Biden has committed to attending the inauguration of the next U.S. president in January, regardless of the election outcome.
This announcement was made by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a recent press briefing.
Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden's decision reflects his belief in the importance of a peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of American democracy. “This president believes in the peaceful transfer of power, and that's what you're going to see,” she stated, underscoring that Biden’s attendance is primarily about the American people and the democratic process. “It's not about him. It's about the American people. That's what the American people need to see, regardless of who wins,” she added.
The upcoming inauguration carries historical significance, following the contentious 2020 election in which former President Donald Trump notably chose to skip Biden’s inauguration.
This break from tradition marked a significant departure from the norm, as outgoing presidents typically attend the swearing-in ceremony of their successors. Biden's commitment stands in stark contrast, highlighting his dedication to democratic norms and the peaceful transition of leadership.
While Jean-Pierre refrained from mentioning Trump’s absence at the 2021 inauguration, she acknowledged the historical importance of such transitions. The inauguration ceremony is set to take place in January, following a closely monitored election scheduled for November 5.
Amid a politically charged atmosphere, Biden's commitment to attending the inauguration comes as he campaigns for his endorsed successor, Vice President Kamala Harris, who is set to run against Trump. Recently, Biden faced criticism for referring to some of Trump’s supporters as "garbage" during a Zoom call, a comment that drew backlash from Republican circles. Biden later clarified that his remarks were aimed specifically at “hateful rhetoric” from a speaker at Trump’s rally, not a broad indictment of all Trump supporters.
Despite the surrounding political drama, Biden remains engaged with voters. He cast his ballot early in Delaware, describing the experience as "sweet," even after having withdrawn from the presidential race earlier this year in favor of Harris. During the voting process, he took the time to interact with other voters, further demonstrating his commitment to public service in the final days of his presidency.
