For the record, the New York Times notes that Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter skipped due to political crises or summits. In this case, four months ahead of the event, the Trumps have made the decision to skip out of consideration for the honorees, which include Norman Lear, LL Cool J, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, and Carmen de Lavallade. From the White House statement:
The president and first lady have decided not to participate in this year’s activities to allow the honorees to celebrate without any political distraction. First lady Melania Trump, along with her husband President Donald J. Trump, extend their sincerest congratulations and well wishes to all of this year’s award recipients for their many accomplishments.
In return, the Kennedy Center has extended its gratitude for such thoughtfulness. Write Chairman David M. Rubenstein and President Deborah F. Rutter:
In choosing not to participate in this year’s Honors activities, the Administration has graciously signaled its respect for the Kennedy Center and ensures the Honors gala remains a deservingly special moment for the Honorees. We are grateful for this gesture.
The road throughout this presidency has been paved with such well-wishes, such as in the following events which President Trump has chosen not to overshadow, often breaking with decades-long tradition:
It goes without saying that it’s been a rough week. The mother of the woman who was killed in the Charlottesville terrorist attack wouldn’t take Trump’s call. Steve Bannon left in a “joint decision.” Even David Duke gave him a thrashing. Artists Norman Lear, Carmen de Lavallade, and Lionel Richie (Richie, tentatively) have stated that they wouldn’t have shown up to the White House reception anyway, so, the decision is…presidential.
