Longtime Obama confidant Valerie Jarrett confirmed over the weekend that Donald Trump will not be invited to the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center.

The celebration for the museum honoring Barack Obama is scheduled to kick off June 18 and run through June 21. Organizers say the multi-day event will feature gatherings designed to spotlight the activists, volunteers, and supporters who helped propel Obama to the White House.

According to a press release, the grand opening will feature “a series of events that bring together the changemakers, community members, volunteers, and supporters who made the Obama presidency a reality and that welcomes visitors to celebrate the power of hope and change.”

But one name clearly missing from the invite list: Trump.

Jarrett addressed the controversy during an appearance on The Weekend, hosted by journalist Jonathan Capehart.

(Video Credit: MS NOW)
Capehart raised the obvious question about the tradition of inviting prominent political figures to presidential library openings. “So when things like this presidential centers or presidential libraries — I was there for President Clinton’s presidential library opening — there are all sorts of dignitaries who are there who are invited,” Capehart said. “And so I’m just wondering, Valerie, is President Trump invited?”

Jarrett made it clear the ceremony will focus on Obama’s own political coalition. “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. So, no, but I will say, I hasten to add, that after we open to the public, should President Trump want to come and tour the center, President Obama would be delighted for him to do so.”

The blunt answer drew laughs from the show’s panel. “That was a very heavy ‘No,’ Valerie,” co-host Eugene Daniels quipped.

Daniels then turned the discussion toward the broader political climate, suggesting the country is currently struggling and asking what it means for the Obama center to open during such a period. Jarrett responded by arguing that the museum’s purpose is to emphasize unity and optimism. “That’s why it’s more important than ever to have a center like this where people can come together. Not everyone will agree,” she said. “In fact, we welcome people who have differences of opinions. We welcome people who didn’t vote for President Obama to realize that we can find common ground, even in these challenging times.”

Interestingly, when Daniels asked whether George W. Bush would be invited, Jarrett’s answer was far more enthusiastic. “Sure,” she replied, pointing to a history of cooperation between Bush and the Obama team. Jarrett recalled that during the 2008 transition—when she served as one of the co-chairs—Bush and his administration were exceptionally helpful. She also highlighted moments of bipartisan collaboration involving Bush, Obama, and Bill Clinton.

According to Jarrett, Bush and Clinton partnered on the relief effort following the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, and later Bush and Obama joined forces to promote COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic.

Trump, the most recent Republican president and Obama’s successor after the 2016 election, won’t be part of the ceremony.

But according to Jarrett, if he ever wants to stop by as a visitor, the doors will technically be open.