Former First Lady Michelle Obama Will Not Attend Trump’s Inauguration
Former first lady Michelle Obama will not be in attendance at the inauguration of President-elect Trump on Monday, it was confirmed by the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama. This marks the second time in two weeks that a former president and his spouse did not attend a gathering, following the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, where Mrs. Trump and President Barack Obama were not in attendance.
Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to attend the inauguration alongside other former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with their spouses. The reason for Mrs. Obama’s absence is unclear, but it marks a departure from the tradition of former first ladies attending predecessor’s inauguration.
In contrast, the Obamas, Clintons, and Bushes all attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. The Trumps and Obamas even put aside their political differences to chat and laugh together at Carter’s funeral, a display of civility that was widely reported on social media.
Former President Bill Clinton is set to attend the inauguration, along with his wife, Hillary Clinton. The Office of George W. Bush has also confirmed that he and his wife, Laura Bush, will be in attendance.