USA

Valerie Jarrett says Trump not invited to Obama Center opening, but W Bush is

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Former Obama White House adviser Valerie Jarrett said Saturday that President Trump was not invited to the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center.

According to a Press releaseThe Obama Presidential Center’s grand opening celebrations will begin June 18 and run through June 21; It will include “a series of events that bring together the change-makers, community members, volunteers and supporters who make the Obama presidency a reality and invite visitors to celebrate the power of hope and change.”

Jarrett spoke with Jonathan Capehart on MS Now’s “The Weekend” about the center’s upcoming opening ceremonies and asked: “When you have things like presidential centers or presidential libraries — I was there for President Clinton’s presidential library opening — there are all kinds of dignitaries that are invited. So I wonder, Valerie, is President Trump invited?”

He responded that only those who played a role in former President Barack Obama’s political journey could attend the inauguration ceremony.

Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett (left) and the Obama Presidential Center under construction in Chicago’s Jackson Park (right). The Foundation’s total revenue in 2024 was reported to be approximately $210 million, according to federal records. (Fox 32; Steven Ferdman/Getty)

“As I said, this is really a chance for us to celebrate with the people who accompanied President Obama on this journey, ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things. So no, but I hasten to add that after it opens to the public, if President Trump wants to come and tour the center, President Obama would be happy for him to do that.”

“That was a very strong ‘No,’ Valerie,” host Eugene Daniels said with a chuckle.

“And I wonder what you think about a country that feels besieged, that the person who represents hope is President Obama. What does the opening of this center mean against the backdrop of what’s going on in this country right now?” Daniels asked.

Jarrett responded by suggesting that in times like these, people need to remind themselves of the value of hope in difficult circumstances.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever to have a hub like this where people can come together. Not everyone may agree,” he said. “We actually welcome people with different views. We welcome people who didn’t vote for President Obama to understand that even in these challenging times, we can find common ground.”

BUREAUCRATS HIDE THE REAL PRICE OF OBAMA PRESIDENT CENTER

President Donald Trump was not invited to the opening ceremonies of the new presidential headquarters but will be allowed to explore it when it opens to the public. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

Daniels asked if former President George W. Bush would be invited.

“Sure,” said Jarrett. “You know, we work really closely with President Bush. During the transition, and I was one of the co-chairs of President Obama’s transition, I often say that President Bush and his team could not have given us more support in the weeks when the country or the world was going through the Haiti earthquake, President Bush and President Clinton were working together on the Haiti relief fund. President Obama and President Bush were working closely to encourage people to get the Covid-19 vaccine.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE NEWS ON MEDIA AND CULTURE