Bush and former first lady Laura Bush will attend the inauguration, according to Freddy Ford, Bush’s chief of staff. The bushes also attended Barack Obama and Donald Trump’s first inaugurations.
“President and Mrs. Bush look forward to returning to the Capitol for the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris,” Ford said in a statement. “I believe this will be the eighth inauguration they have had the privilege of attending – President Trump is the most recent – and to testify to the peaceful transfer of power is a feature of our democracy that never grows old. “
The 43rd president was one of the first known Republicans to congratulate Biden on his victory after CNN and other media organizations predicted he would win the presidency in November.
“Although we have political differences, I know that Joe Biden is a good man who was given his opportunity to lead and unite our country,” Bush said. “The president-elect reiterates that, while running as a Democrat, he will rule for all Americans. I offered him the same job I offered President Trump and Obama: my prayers for his success, and my promise to way I can help. “
Carter and former first lady Rosalyn Carter have previously traveled to both Obama’s inaugurations and Trump’s 2017 ceremony.
“President and Mrs. Carter are not traveling to Washington for the inauguration, but have sent their best wishes to President-elect Biden and Vice-President-elect Harris and look forward to a successful government,” said Deanna Congileo, a spokeswoman. of the Carter Center, said in a statement to CNN.
This story and its headline have been updated with George W. Bush’s plans.