NEW YORK, Jan. 3 (UPI) — Questions of whether former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump can be put to rest.
Both Clinton and her former president husband confirmed Tuesday that they will, in fact, witness the controversial billionaire take the oath of office on the front steps of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20.
It’s customary for former presidents and their spouses to attend the swearing-in of new commanders in-chief, but since no former first lady has ever run for the office it was unknown whether either Clinton would show up.
Through representatives Tuesday, both assured they will be there.
While former presidents typically attend inaugurations, that has not always been the case for unsuccessful contenders. GOP nominee Mitt Romney did not attend the start of Obama‘s second term four years ago.
Bill Clinton, 70, will join Obama, George W. Bush, 70, and Jimmy Carter, 92, in the contingent of former presidents on hand to witness the start of Trump’s administration. The only other living former leader, George H. W. Bush, 92, will be absent due to health concerns. Neither Bush attended Obama’s second swearing-in in 2013.
“At ages 92 and 91 — and all that entails — President and Mrs. Bush are simply not able to attend the Inauguration this month,” spokesman Jim McGrath said.
Many scheduled attendees have said in recent weeks that they would rather not see Trump take the reins. Several members of the Radio City Rockettes and Mormon Tabernacle Choir, both slated to perform at the inauguration, have expressed displeasure at the idea.
