Michelle Obama will skip the VIP chair at President-elect Donald Trump‘s inauguration. The former first lady confirmed her decision to avoid the event on Monday, January 20. Donald will take the oath of office for the second time as president. He previously won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton, a former first lady, Democrat, and Secretary of State.
Michelle’s decision follows her failure to attend former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral. During the burial, her absence left Barack and the president-elect as unexpected seatmates. PEOPLE reported that Michelle remained in Hawaii on an extended vacation during Carter’s funeral. CNN’s Jeff Zeleny confirmed that her advisers blamed her absence on a scheduling conflict.
Former presidents and their families traditionally attend presidential inaugurations. During the 2017 swearing-in ceremony, Donald’s family and inner circle members showed up. Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump, and Barron Trump attended. Barack attended Trump’s first inauguration in January 2017. Other notable attendees included Joe and Jill Biden, Harry and Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and the late Jimmy Carter.
Michelle is not the first notable figure to snub the event, as Donald pulled a similar move in 2021. The 78-year-old informed the public he would not attend Biden’s swearing-in ceremony. Many have expressed mixed reactions to Michelle’s absence. Some accused her of being vindictive, while others defended her stance. One displeased X user wrote:
“Not surprised Michelle Obama hated America and its people, including Pres. Trump saying when they go low we go higher a joke she is the one who went to the lowest! Won’t be missed!”
This commenter accused the former first lady of harboring hate towards “white people and America!” Another user stood with Michelle, describing her stance as refreshing and nonhypocritical. A fourth commenter argued that she must be under the weather to miss two state events. This user urged people to take a page from Michelle’s books and grow a conscience given Trump’s reputation.
Michelle Obama Dropped the ‘We Go High’ Mantra During the Elections
The tension between Michelle and Donald has long years of history. As reported by TMZ, Michelle frequently criticized Donald’s potential return to office, calling it a terrible idea. Last year, she sent some heavy words his way at the Democratic National Convention in August.
Michelle condemned Donald’s narrow perception of the world, where two successful black people made him insecure. She addressed his claims about immigrants taking “black jobs” in America. During the rally, Michelle encouraged voters to support Kamala Harris for president, praising her dedication to public service.
She praised the current Vice President as a renowned government member who lives to help others. The power couple also applauded Kamala’s choice of running mate, Tim Walz. They praised her for not choosing “someone inexperienced and polarizing.”
Barack also held the same view as his wife about the socialite turned politician. He described Donald as a 78-year-old billionaire and conspiracy theorist who frequently cried about his problems. The former POTUS mocked the Republican’s obsession with crowd sizes by turning it into a joke about his penis.
Barack and Michelle have never failed to make where their loyalty evident before and after the elections. Michelle Obama is sticking to her guns as she has always done!
