Michelle Obama to Skip Donald Trump’s Inauguration, Her Office Confirms

Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, her office confirmed, without providing an explanation. The statement clarified: “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not be attending.”

This marks the second notable event Michelle Obama has missed in two weeks, the first being former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Had she attended the inauguration, she would have been seated next to Donald Trump. In her absence, Barack Obama sat beside Trump, with their seemingly friendly interaction sparking curiosity about their conversation.

For missing Carter’s funeral, her office cited a scheduling conflict, explaining she was on an extended vacation in Hawaii.

Meanwhile, Bill Clinton is confirmed to attend the swearing-in, and Hillary Clinton will also be present, according to a spokesperson. The Office of George W. Bush confirmed both he and former First Lady Laura Bush would attend as well.

The 2017 inauguration of Donald Trump was attended by Barack and Michelle Obama, Joe and Jill Biden, Hillary and Bill Clinton, George W. and Laura Bush, and Jimmy Carter. Trump’s swearing-in also saw key members of his family present, including Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump, and Barron Trump.

Notably, Trump broke a longstanding tradition by not attending Joe Biden’s inauguration, becoming the first outgoing president in over 150 years to do so.