Former First Lady Michelle Obama has confirmed that she will not be attending Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This announcement was made by her office on Tuesday, though no specific reason for her absence has been provided.
Former President Barack Obama, who served as the 44th president, is expected to participate in the swearing-in ceremony. A statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama confirmed that he will be present, while Michelle Obama will not.
Additionally, former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, are also confirmed to attend the inauguration festivities.
It’s noteworthy that Michelle Obama recently missed the funeral services for Jimmy Carter, which saw attendance from all living former presidents and first ladies, further indicating her absence from public events.
Michelle Obama has been a consistent presence at inaugurations since 2008, including Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. After that event, she reflected on her experience in her podcast, “The Light Podcast,” sharing her feelings about witnessing a lack of diversity on stage during the ceremony. She described experiencing significant emotional turmoil, stating she cried for 30 minutes afterward, revealing the challenges of maintaining composure throughout her husband’s presidency.
While Michelle Obama’s absence may stir discussions, it also highlights her ongoing commitment to addressing issues of representation and diversity in America. Her candid reflections offer a perspective that resonates with many who share similar sentiments regarding the political landscape.