Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend Donald Trump’s second inauguration next week, her office confirmed Tuesday, though no explanation was provided for her absence.
“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies,” read a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama. “Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”
Social media erupted with commentary, much of it speculating that Michelle Obama’s decision was influenced by her strained relationship with Trump, who has used inflammatory language about her in the past.
“Forever First Lady Michelle Obama will be skipping the dictator coronation on January 20th,” singer Ricky Davila posted on X. “Good, she seems to be the only one who clearly understands the assignment.” MSNBC host Joy-Ann Reid echoed the sentiment on Bluesky, writing, “I love Michelle Obama forever. This is the way.”
Others, like University of California, Irvine political science lecturer Larry Tenney, praised her decision while taking a jab at Trump. “Will Hillary Clinton & Laura Bush follow Michelle Obama’s example? When they go low, we RSVP ‘No!’” Tenney wrote on Bluesky.
Will Hillary Clinton & Laura Bush follow Michelle Obama's example? When they go low, we RSVP "No!" Michelle Obama will boycott Trump³⁴ inaugural apnews.com/article/trum…
— Larry Tenney (@larrytenney.bsky.social) January 15, 2025 at 1:32 AM
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Criticism of Trump’s own actions was also prominent in the conversation, with many pointing out his absence at President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration. “I’ve now seen 6 reports on Michelle Obama’s decision to skip Trump’s inauguration—CNN, NBC, AP, CBS, Politico, and The Hill—and not one mentions that Trump skipped Biden’s just 4 years ago,” Los Angeles Times columnist Jackie Calmes observed on X.
“And before anyone says a negative word, let’s not forget—Trump skipped Biden’s inauguration,” designer Christopher Webb posted. Some users joked about following Michelle Obama’s lead. “I’m with Michelle Obama, I won’t be watching Trump’s inauguration either!” Bluesky user SuzyQ shared.
Michelle Obama’s absence follows another notable decision not to attend a high-profile event. She skipped last week’s memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter, reportedly remaining in Hawaii for a previously scheduled vacation.
As discussions about the upcoming inauguration continue, Michelle Obama’s decision is being widely interpreted as a symbolic statement against Trump, underscoring the tension between the former first family and the incoming president.
I’m with Michelle Obama, I won’t be watching Trump’s inauguration either!
— SuzyQ (@suzyqfit4u.bsky.social) January 14, 2025 at 11:03 PM
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