Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, marking the second time in two weeks she has skipped a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses.
However, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their respective spouses, are confirmed to attend the January 20 ceremony at the Capitol.
A statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama, shared with the Associated Press, confirmed:
“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”
No specific reason was provided for her absence.
This decision follows her nonattendance at the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter in Washington last week. Former Presidents Trump, Obama, Bush, and Clinton, along with their spouses, were present at the service, except Michelle Obama. Notably, during the funeral, Barack Obama and Trump were seen seated together, sharing laughter despite their history of political discord.
Representatives for Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton confirmed both will attend the swearing-in ceremony, as will George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush.
Michelle Obama has been a vocal critic of Trump, campaigning against him during his 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential campaigns. In her 2018 memoir, she expressed her dismay at Trump’s election victory and criticized his “birther” conspiracy, which questioned Barack Obama’s citizenship.
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Last fall, she campaigned for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, delivering a powerful speech in Michigan urging voters, particularly men, to support Harris. She warned of potential risks to women’s rights if Trump regained the presidency.
All three former presidents and their spouses, along with former President Carter, attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. Even Hillary Clinton, after her 2016 electoral defeat to Trump, was present at the event.
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