Michelle Obama To Skip Trump’s Inauguration, Breaking Former First Ladies Tradition

Michelle Obama will not be attending the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, becoming the second consecutive week that she has missed a high-profile gathering of former US leaders and their spouses. Former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, as well as their wives, are scheduled to attend the swearing-in ceremony, but Michelle Obama will not.

In a statement shared with The Associated Press, the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama confirmed that the former first lady would be absent but did not explain why. This follows Michelle Obama skipped last week’s state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, which saw all living former presidents and their spouses attend except her.

Absent was Michelle Obama, who has been the only spouse not attending the Washington National Cathedral for the funeral of her predecessor, Mr. Carter. During the service, her husband, former President Barack Obama, and President Trump were sitting side by side and appeared to be in good spirits while chatting and laughing amicably, despite political differences.

Other confirmed attendees include Bill and Hillary Clinton as well as George and Laura Bush. For the first time, this occasion breaks the precedent of first ladies and former presidents making an appearance. For instance, Hillary Clinton did during the first inauguration by Trump in 2017, after losing her election in the year 2016 to Donald Trump.