Biden will attend Trump’s inauguration in January, despite past tensions

Democrat Biden has made a point of providing Trump with the smooth transition that the Republican denied him

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President Joe Biden and president-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office on November 13. Photo: AP

Published: 7:41am, 26 Nov 2024Updated: 10:38am, 26 Nov 2024

US President Joe Biden will attend president-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, the White House said on Monday, calling it a “commitment to our democratic values” despite Trump skipping Biden’s own swearing-in.

Then-president Trump refused to attend Biden’s inauguration in 2021, after falsely claiming his election win was fraudulent and whipping up a mob of supporters who stormed the US Capitol.

“The president promised that he would attend the inauguration of whomever won the election,” Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates told reporters flying with Biden on Air Force One.

“He and the first lady are going to honour that promise and attend the inauguration.”

Bates added: “He views that as an important demonstration of commitment to our democratic values and to honouring the will of the people, as we continue to provide an orderly and effective transition”.

Despite repeatedly describing Trump as a threat to democracy during the 2024 campaign, Democrat Biden has made a point of providing Trump with the smooth transition that the Republican denied him.