Pauline Hanson declines attending Donald Trump's inauguration

Senator Pauline Hanson has confirmed that she would not attend Donald Trump's inauguration despite being gifted tickets to the ceremony. The senator would not attend due to work commitments. Hanson said that she has duties to the people of Queensland and Australia should come first. Senator Brian Burston will attend instead of Hanson as One Nation's representative.

Hanson announced on Twitter that she was invited to the inauguration. But she followed another tweet saying she was still undecided if she would attend the ceremony. Then she confirmed on Twitter that she would not attend. The invitation she received was a break from the tradition of inviting guests to the US president's inauguration. Australian Ambassador to the US Joe Hockey will be Australia's official representative for the inauguration on Jan. 20.

In the past, the US State Department has advised that foreign delegations would not be invited for the President-elect Trump’s inauguration in Washington. The advisory also stated that heads of state and governments would be represented by chiefs of diplomatic missions in Washington.

On Jan. 13, Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence will be sworn in front of the US Capitol Building. Hillary Clinton and her husband former President Bill Clinton will attend the event. Former President George W Bush, former first lady Laura Bush and former President Jimmy Carter will attend. However, George H W Bush will not attend due to his health.

A-list celebrities will not grace the inauguration. The event performers include the Rockettes, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Jackie Evancho. On Jan. 19, a kickoff concert will happen the day before the inauguration. Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood and 3 Doors Down will be the highlight of the event. The Piano Guys, The Frontmen of Country and Jon Voight will be present in the kickoff.

Sir Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Rebecca Ferguson, Jennifer Holliday and the Beach Boys are among the big names that were expected to perform in the inauguration. However, some artists backed out while some are still undecided. Holliday confirmed to her fans that she would not perform.