Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, marking the second major event featuring former U.S. leaders and their spouses that she has missed in recent weeks. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, along with their spouses, are confirmed to attend the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama confirmed the former president’s attendance but did not provide a reason for Michelle Obama’s absence. Her decision follows a similar choice last week, when she did not attend the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral.
At the funeral, Presidents Trump, Obama, Bush, and Clinton were present, seated with their spouses, except for Michelle Obama. During the service, Trump and Barack Obama were seen chatting amicably, despite their history of political rivalry.
All three former presidents and their wives attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, alongside Hillary Clinton, who had lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Former President Jimmy Carter also attended the event.
A representative for Bill Clinton confirmed his attendance at the upcoming ceremony, with a spokesperson adding that Hillary Clinton will join him. Similarly, the Office of George W. Bush stated that he and former First Lady Laura Bush would be present.
While Michelle Obama’s absence raises questions, the presence of other former leaders and their spouses underscores the importance of upholding the tradition of peaceful transitions of power, a hallmark of American democracy.
