Former first lady Michelle Obama will not be attending the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, according to a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama released on Tuesday. The statement said: “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.” A spokesperson did not immediately provided a reason for her absence.
Mrs. Obama’s absence at the inauguration will mark the second time in two weeks that she will not be attending a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses; last week, she was not present at the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter. Attending Carter’s funeral service were Barack Obama, George W. and Laura Bush and Bill and Hillary Clinton, as were President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, and President-elect Trump and Melania Trump.
Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will in attendance at Mr. Trump’s inauguration, as well as former First Lady Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who join their husbands for the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol.
Michelle Obama has attended every inauguration since her husband’s in 2009, including Trump’s inauguration when he succeeded Obama in 2017.
Editorial credit: Peter Serocki / Shutterstock.com