Valerie Jarrett says Trump not invited to Obama Presidential Center opening events
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Former Obama White House adviser Valerie Jarrett confirmed that Donald Trump will not be invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center.
Jarrett spoke about the upcoming celebrations during an appearance on MSNBC’s ‘The Weekend’ with host Jonathan Capehart.
The discussion came as the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open its doors with several public events.
Valerie Jarrett says Obama Presidential Center opening will celebrate Barack Obama supporters
According to a press release, the grand opening celebrations will begin on June 18 and continue through June 21. The four-day celebration will include multiple events bringing together people who supported Barack Obama’s presidency.
The events are meant to highlight what organizers describe as the spirit of “hope and change” that defined Obama’s political journey.
When Capehart asked whether Donald Trump would be invited to the ceremony, Jarrett made it clear that the event is focused on people who were part of Obama’s path to the presidency.
“As I said, this is really a chance for us to celebrate with the people who joined President Obama on this journey, the ordinary people who did the extraordinary things,” Jarrett explained.
“So, no,” she added.
Valerie Jarrett says Donald Trump can visit the Obama Presidential Center after opening
Although Trump will not be part of the opening ceremony, Jarrett said he would still be welcome to visit the center once it opens to the public.
“But I will say, I hasten to add, that after we open to the public, should President Trump want to come.
The moment even drew a lighthearted reaction during the interview.
“That was a very heavy ‘No,’ Valerie,” co-host Eugene Daniels joked after her answer.
Valerie Jarrett says Obama Presidential Center aims to promote hope during difficult times
During the conversation, Daniels also asked Jarrett about the broader meaning of the center opening at a time when many Americans feel frustrated about the political climate.
He pointed out that Barack Obama often represented a message of hope for many people and asked what the center might symbolize in the current environment.
Jarrett said the center was designed to bring people together, even if they disagree politically.
“That’s why it’s more important than ever to have a center like this where people can come together,” she said.
“Not everyone will agree,” Jarrett continued. “In fact, we welcome people who have differences of opinions.”
She also said the center hopes to attract visitors who may not have supported Obama politically.
“We welcome people who didn’t vote for President Obama to realize that we can find common ground, even in these challenging times,” Jarrett added.
Valerie Jarrett says George W Bush welcome at Obama Presidential Center events
While Trump will not be invited to the opening ceremony, Jarrett said former President George W Bush is welcome to attend.
When Daniels asked whether Bush would receive an invitation, Jarrett answered simply, “Sure.”
She also spoke about the working relationship between Bush and Obama over the years.
According to Jarrett, cooperation between the two administrations was especially clear during the transition period when Obama first took office.
“You know, we worked really closely with President Bush,” she said.
Jarrett recalled that Bush and his team were supportive during the transition after the 2008 election.
She also mentioned moments when several presidents worked together on major national issues.
For example, she pointed out that Bush and former President Bill Clinton joined forces on relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Jarrett also said Obama and Bush worked together to encourage Americans to receive COVID vaccines during the pandemic.
