a) John Adams

John Adams was the first president to skip his successor’s inauguration. In 1801, Adams left Washington D.C. on the morning of Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration, marking the first time a departing president did not attend the inauguration of his successor. This action was taken amidst significant political tension and the contentious election of 1800, which resulted in a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another. Adams’ absence was notable in the history of American presidential inaugurations, reflecting the bitter political rivalries of the era.