Why was Michelle Obama not at Trump's inauguration? Former first lady skips historic event
Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second non-consecutive term at the US Capitol building in Washington DC yesterday.
The event boasted a guest list of all living previous presidents, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and of course, Joe Biden.
Other attendees included Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Carrie Underwood and Billy Ray Cyrus. But former first lady Michelle Obama declined the invitation.
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Posting a quote on Instagram from Martin Luther King Jr. just a few hours before the ceremony, she made her stance on Trump's second presidency crystal clear.
She posted the quote: “The time is always right to do what is right.”
Her message was also in support of the non-profit organisation When We All Vote. The former first lady wrote: “Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service always inspires me.
“This #MLKDay, I hope you’ll join me and @WhenWeAllVote in honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy by getting involved in your community.
“Whether you’re mentoring students at your local school or volunteering for a cause that matters to you, it all helps make a difference. Tell me how you’re giving back today in the comments,” she added.
It was confirmed by Michelle Obama's office that she would not be attending the inauguration, but further explanation was not given in their brief statement last Tuesday that read: "Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration."
Michelle Obama has attended every inauguration since 2009, including Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, making yesterday the first one she has missed since her husband was sworn into office.
In 2023, she spoke on her show The Light Postcast about Trump's first inauguration ceremony.
She said: “To sit on that stage and watch the opposite of what we represented on display, there was no diversity, there was no colour on that stage.
“There was no reflection of the broader sense of America”, she added.
Her Instagram post received overwhelmingly positive comments in support of her decision, with one user commenting: "We are celebrating him [Martin Luther King Jr.] today and not this nonsense in the capital".
Another commenter said: "Thank You Michelle Obama for standing up against the bullying".
But some comments branded her decision as "disrespectful", with another user saying: "It's now been two important events that Michelle chose to not attend leaving Obama by himself."
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