Former First Woman Michelle Obama is not going to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, marking the second time in two weeks she has skipped a major occasion with former US leaders and their spouses. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Invoice Clinton, together with their wives, are confirmed to attend.
In an announcement shared with The Related Press, the Workplace of Barack and Michelle Obama confirmed the previous president’s attendance, however introduced, “Former first girl Michelle Obama is not going to attend the upcoming inauguration.” No motive was supplied for her resolution to skip the occasion.
This marks a major absence for Michelle Obama, who additionally missed former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral in Washington, D.C., the week prior. Her husband, Barack Obama, sat subsequent to President Trump on the service, together with former Presidents George W. Bush and Invoice Clinton, with each partaking in pleasant dialog regardless of their political variations.
Different key figures attending
Whereas Michelle Obama can be absent, former Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Obama will be part of the inauguration, together with their spouses. “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the sixtieth Inaugural Ceremonies,” in keeping with the assertion launched by his workplace. Invoice Clinton and Hillary Clinton, in addition to George W. Bush and Laura Bush, are additionally confirmed to attend, in keeping with their respective places of work.
Michelle Obama’s absence is notable contemplating that she campaigned towards Trump within the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections. She actively supported Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, giving an emotional speech in Michigan the place she emphasised the dangers to girls’s rights ought to Trump return to energy. She challenged males to vote for Harris, underscoring the significance of electing the primary feminine president.
Historic context
All three former presidents and their spouses, together with Hillary Clinton, attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, regardless of her shedding to him within the 2016 election. Former President Jimmy Carter additionally attended that ceremony.
The choice for Michelle Obama to overlook the swearing-in ceremony comes because the political divide continues to form relationships amongst former political leaders.
