Biden, first lady to attend Trump inauguration: White House

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden will attend President-elect Trump’s inauguration in January, the White House said.

“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,” White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told reporters on Monday.

Trump did not attend Biden’s January 2021 inauguration, and he left the White House that day under a cloud of controversy after losing the 2020 race and amid scrutiny over his actions surrounding the riot at the U.S. Capitol earlier that month.

Bates said Monday that Biden views attending the inauguration "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."

The president in August suggested he would attend a January 2025 swearing-in for Trump if he won the 2024 race, while taking a jab at his predecessor’s manners.

“I have good manners, not like him,” the president said at the time.

Biden then committed to a peaceful transition of power after his successor defeated Vice President Harris to win back the White House.

“I will do my duty as president. I will fulfill my oath; I will honor the Constitution. On Jan. 20, we will have a peaceful transition of power here in America,” Biden said in remarks at the White House earlier this month.

Trump and Biden have since met at the White House, during which they also pledged a peaceful transition.