Michelle Obama, the former first lady, has chosen not to attend the forthcoming presidential inauguration.
Michelle Obama will miss the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, signaling her continued distance from certain political gatherings, News Channel ABC reported.
The office of Barack and Michelle Obama confirmed that while former President Barack Obama will participate in the event, his wife will not be in attendance. This decision marks yet another major national event that Michelle Obama has decided to skip recently.
This absence at the January 20 event follows closely on the heels of another notable absence: Michelle Obama did not attend the state funeral of President Jimmy Carter on January 9, where numerous other former presidents and their spouses gathered. At this sorrowful event, held at the Washington National Cathedral, notable attendees included former Presidents Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, alongside their spouses.
The inauguration will still see a strong representation from former U.S. leaders. Confirmed attendees include Barack Obama himself, and former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Joining them will be former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, both of whom have maintained a continuous presence at such national ceremonies.
Michelle Obama has been vocally critical of Donald Trump in the past, especially during her public appearances and speeches. In her 2018 memoir, she expressed her shock at Trump's victory and condemned his involvement in the "birther" controversy, which falsely questioned her husband's citizenship.
Last year, Michelle Obama actively campaigned for then-Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. At a rally in Michigan, she delivered a powerful speech targeting Trump's administration, accusing it of lies and failure in leadership. Additionally, her remarks at the Democratic National Convention in August were charged with criticism of Trump’s policies, highlighting what she termed as his "misogyny" and "racist attacks."
The statement from the office of Barack and Michelle Obama succinctly outlined the attendance plans:
Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.
Michelle Obama's consistent advocacy against Donald Trump extends back through several election cycles. Her disapproval has been a part of her public persona as she campaigned fiercely against Trump during the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential races, always advocating strongly for the Democratic contenders.
In conclusion, Michelle Obama's absence from the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump is seen by some as consistent with her previous personal and political stances. While former President Barack Obama maintains his roles in such civic responsibilities, Michelle seems to choose which events align with her principles and public stance. The upcoming inauguration will hence proceed with notable absences and participants, each symbolizing different aspects of America's political spectrum and public sentiment.
