After choosing not to attend the funeral of President Jimmy Carter, former First Lady Michelle Obama will also not be attending the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump scheduled for Monday.
In an official statement shared with the Associated Press, the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama confirmed, “Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies.” However, his wife, Michelle Obama, will not be present at the inauguration.
DID SHE MAKE THE RIGHT CALL?
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Michelle Obama, pictured here at the Biden inauguration, announced that she will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20th.
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Michelle Obama has decided not to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20th, as seen in the image from President Biden’s inauguration.
Michelle Obama extended her stay in Hawaii, a place significant for being her husband’s birthplace, which resulted in her absence from President Jimmy Carter’s funeral held at the Washington National Cathedral. She attributed her absence to a “scheduling conflict.”
Since experiencing the loss of her mother, Marian Robinson, who passed away in May, Michelle Obama has remained relatively private, low-key regarding public engagements. She reflected on this grief during her speech at the Democratic National Convention held in August at Chicago’s United Center, saying, “I still feel her loss so profoundly—I wasn’t even sure I’d be steady enough to stand before you tonight.”
Even before Election Day, Michelle Obama actively campaigned for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, indicating her ongoing commitment to political activism despite personal challenges.
Her husband, Barack Obama, will attend the ceremony. Even though Michelle’s absence might raise eyebrows, as the pair typically attends such events side-by-side, Barack Obama is still expected to be present at the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday.
The internet buzzed on Thursday following an unexpectedly amicable moment shared between Barack Obama and Donald Trump during President Jimmy Carter’s memorial service. This interaction drew considerable notice due to the historical tensions between the two.
Curiously, observers noted that Barack Obama appeared to share a laugh with Donald Trump during the early moments of the Carter funeral, which led to lots of speculation about their exchange.
Why did Michelle choose not to attend? Someone closely acquainted with the Obamas revealed to Page Six that the decision was indeed “deliberate.” Known for her authenticity, Michelle has always been selective about her public appearances, according to the source.
Her participation was somewhat reluctant. Despite any perceived unity between her husband and Trump at public events, Michelle Obama does not feel compelled to celebrate the occasion. According to Page Six, “Her absence speaks volumes.”
