US President Joe Biden served food to US service members and their families during a Thanksgiving dinner at US Coast Guard Sector New York on Staten Island, New York, on November 25, 2024. – Reuters
The White House announced on Monday that President Joe Biden will attend Donald Trump's inauguration in January, emphasizing it as a 'commitment to our democratic values' despite Trump's absence from Biden's own swearing-in ceremony. Former President Trump declined to attend Biden's inauguration in 2021, falsely claiming election fraud and inciting a mob of supporters who stormed the US Capitol.
Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates stated to reporters accompanying Biden on Air Force One, 'The president promised that he would attend the inauguration of whomever won the election. He and the first lady are going to honor that promise and attend the inauguration.' Bates further added, 'He views that as an important demonstration of commitment to our democratic values and to honoring the will of the people, as we continue to provide an orderly and effective transition.'
Despite consistently labeling Trump as a threat to democracy throughout the 2024 campaign, Democrat Biden has ensured a smooth transition for Trump, a courtesy that the Republican did not extend to him. Biden invited President-elect Trump to the White House the week following the November 5 vote, where Trump secured a historic comeback by defeating Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden, aged 82, withdrew his bid for a second term in July and endorsed Harris after a debate performance against Trump raised concerns among Democrats about his age and mental sharpness.
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