Defeated candidates to attend presidential inauguration for first time in eight years

Defeated presidential candidates have traditionally attended the inauguration of their successors, symbolizing a peaceful transfer of power. This practice will resume on January 20, 2025, after an eight-year gap, with Vice President Kamala Harris present. Former President Donald Trump, who skipped the last inauguration, will be sworn in for a second term. His absence in 2021 followed claims of election fraud and a violent Capitol siege by his supporters. Past examples include Al Gore and George W. Bush in 2001, and Hillary Clinton attending Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017. These events highlight the importance of maintaining democratic traditions despite electoral losses.