George W. Bush Skips Melania Trump’s Ceremony for Barbara Bush

Washington, D.C. — Former President George W. Bush will not attend a White House event this Thursday honoring his late mother, Barbara Bush. This decision comes as Melania Trump, the current First Lady, presides over the unveiling of a U.S. Postal Service stamp dedicated to Barbara Bush.

Sources close to the situation confirmed that Bush has no plans to be present at the East Room ceremony, even though family members and friends are expected to attend. Dorothy Bush Koch, George W. Bush’s younger sister, is set to be one of the featured speakers, alongside Alice Yates, CEO of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation.

The relationship between the Bush family and the Trumps has been strained for years. Tensions were exacerbated during the 2016 GOP primary when Donald Trump criticized Jeb Bush, leading to a fallout that even involved Barbara Bush’s comments regarding Trump.

A spokesperson for the Bush family did not provide a comment when contacted. In previous statements, George W. Bush has been critical of political discourse, lamenting that it often appeals to anger and resentment.

Although George W. Bush attended both of Trump’s inaugurations, he did not endorse him during any of his presidential campaigns. In the past, he and his wife Laura made subtle gestures indicating their lack of enthusiasm for Trump.

This Thursday’s ceremony seems symbolic of the ongoing rift, as even the son of Barbara Bush has chosen not to attend. The absence of George W. Bush raises questions about the status of family ties amid political divides.