Donald Trump said he will not attend Biden inauguration, first outgoing president to do so since 1869

Donald Trump has announced he will not attend Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20, making him the first outgoing president to snub his successor’s swearing-in since 1869.

The President revealed his decision on Twitter on Friday.

To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021

It might not be surprising, but Mr Trump’s choice does break with a longstanding precedent.

The peaceful handover of power from president to president, in person, is considered an important American tradition, even – or perhaps especially – when the two men represent different parties.

Barack Obama showed up for Donald Trump’s inauguration. George Bush showed up for Mr Obama’s. Bill Clinton showed up for Mr Bush’s. And so on.

Only three outgoing presidents in US history have not attended their successor’s inauguration. They were John Adams in 1801, his son John Quincy Adams in 1829, and Andrew Johnson in 1869.

It remains unclear whether Vice President Mike Pence will represent the outgoing administration in Mr Trump’s absence. Mr Pence reportedly has yet to decide whether he will attend.

In a video message posted on his Twitter account yesterday, Mr Trump finally acknowledged he would be leaving the White House to make way for Mr Biden.

In the clip, he defended his decision to fight the election results and refuse to concede Mr Biden won.

But he said the fight was now over.