Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not be attending the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, her office confirmed to ABC News. While former President Barack Obama will be present at the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies, Michelle Obama has opted out of attending, as stated by the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama.
This marks the second significant event in just two weeks that Michelle Obama has chosen to skip. The first was the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, which took place on January 9, 2025, at the Washington National Cathedral. At that event, Michelle Obama would have been expected to sit next to Trump, but she was noticeably absent.
Michelle Obama has consistently attended presidential inaugurations since 2009, including Donald Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. However, her absence from this year’s ceremony comes as a surprise, as she has been a public figure engaged in various political and social initiatives.
At the inauguration, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton are all confirmed to attend. Additionally, former First Ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton are expected to be present. This marks a continuation of the bipartisan tradition of former presidents and first ladies attending these important ceremonies.
In contrast, Michelle Obama’s absence signals a shift, as she has historically played a role in the events surrounding presidential transitions. It’s important to note that despite not attending, Michelle Obama’s influence in public life and her ongoing work in various initiatives remain highly significant.
The decision for Michelle Obama not to attend follows her recent decision to skip Jimmy Carter’s funeral, signaling that she may be stepping back from public appearances related to political events, though she remains a key figure in American politics and society.
