In an unexpected move, the time-honored inaugural luncheon for President-elect Donald Trump did not see the presence of former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

These notable figures, along with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, opted not to attend the event, though they did appear at the inauguration ceremony itself, as NBC News reports.

Unprecedented Absence from Inaugural Festivities

This announcement shocked many as news broke about the decision of these eminent personalities to decline the invitation to Trump's lunch.

This decision marked a deviation from customary appearance but doesn't affect their commitment to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

Trump's transition team refrained from commenting on this deviation from tradition.

Pressed by media outlets for a response, the team did not issue a formal statement.

Further deepening the intrigue, all former first ladies, barring Michelle Obama, attended the swearing-in ceremony.

Mrs. Obama's absence at significant recent events, including the funeral of President Jimmy Carter, opened room for speculation.

Former Presidents' Perplexing Choices

Interestingly, Trump himself has a history of declining to attend certain high-profile events.

His absence was noted at President Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021, signaling a potential shift in the attendance etiquette of such events.

The relationship between Trump and former presidents has been somewhat tumultuous.

None of the living prior presidents supported Trump during his campaign, with Obama and Bill Clinton even campaigning openly for Vice President Kamala Harris, further straining relations.

The Clintons, however, did attend the inauguration lunch in 2017 following Hillary Clinton's defeat in the presidential race, making their choice this year even more of a surprise to many.

A Spanner in a Longstanding Tradition

The inaugural luncheon marks a tradition dating back to 1897.

Since 1953, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has hosted the lunch for the incoming president, vice president, and their respective guests, making the voluntary withdrawal of these political figures extremely notable.

Trump was previously quoted saying, "I was very honored, very, very honored when I heard that President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton was coming today." His response to the noteworthy absences at the lunchon remains to be seen.

The deliberate decision to skip the luncheon brought an uncommon tinge to the proceedings.

Its impact on future presidential events and Trump's tenure will be closely watched as time passes.