Former First Lady Michelle Obama has confirmed that she will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, marking the second time in two weeks she has missed a high-profile gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, however, are set to attend the January 20 swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, accompanied by their wives, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, respectively.
A statement from the office of Barack and Michelle Obama confirmed that Michelle Obama will not be present at the upcoming inauguration, but did not provide an explanation for her absence. Her decision follows her absence from former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral in Washington last week, where all other living former presidents and their spouses, including Donald Trump, attended. Michelle Obama was the only former First Lady missing from the funeral, despite her husband and Trump sharing a friendly moment during the service.
Throughout Trump’s presidency, Michelle Obama remained a vocal critic, particularly after his birther campaign, which questioned Barack Obama’s citizenship. She campaigned against Trump in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections, even delivering an impassioned speech in support of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in 2024.
While Michelle Obama’s absence is notable, the participation of former presidents and their spouses reflects the tradition of unity during presidential inaugurations.