Here’s Why Michelle Obama Is Reportedly Skipping Trump’s Inauguration
Former first lady Michelle Obama will reportedly skip President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration so she doesn’t have to fake a smile for the cameras.
Obama has confirmed that she will not attend on Monday but has not publicly given a reason. A source close to her told People magazine that Obama will not “pretend for protocol’s sake.”
“There’s no overstating her feelings about [Trump],” the source said. “She’s not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake. Michelle doesn’t do anything because it’s expected or it’s protocol or it’s tradition.”
Notably, Obama attended Trump’s first inauguration with her husband after Trump won the 2016 election.
“She served in the public eye and did all the public good that she could for eight years as first lady,” the source said of Obama. “You’ll see her when she has a project or cause to promote but she doesn’t feel the need to be a public figure anymore.”
Kevin Dietsch/Pool via Bloomberg/Getty Images
Last week, Obama was not in attendance at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. A New York Times report placed Obama in Hawaii at the time of the ceremony. Her spokeswoman, Crystal Carson, said the former first lady had a conflict and thus could not attend. She sent “her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former president,” Carson said.
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Former President Barack Obama attended the funeral by himself and sat next to Trump. The pair grabbed the internet’s attention for their seemingly friendly conversation.
Trump makes Obama laugh. Wholesome.
— Tiffany Fong (@TiffanyFong_) January 9, 2025
Mrs. Obama has notably not stopped engaging in politics. Over the summer, she spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, praising Vice President Kamala Harris and swiping at Trump.
“It couldn’t be more obvious of the two major candidates in this race, only Kamala Harris truly understands the unseen labor and unwavering commitment that has always made America great,” Obama said. “Now, unfortunately, we know what comes next.”
“For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” she claimed. “His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard working and highly educated, successful people who happen to be black.”
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