Former first lady Michelle Obama has announced that she will not be attending the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. This marks the second time in two weeks that she has opted out of a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses. However, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton are confirmed to be in attendance.
Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be joining their husbands for the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol. The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama released a statement confirming Barack Obama's attendance but did not provide a reason for Michelle Obama's absence.
Michelle Obama also did not attend former President Jimmy Carter's state funeral in Washington last week, where all other former presidents and their spouses were present. Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton are both set to attend Trump's inauguration.
Despite the history of political animosity between Barack Obama and Trump, the two were seen chatting and laughing like old friends at the recent funeral service at Washington National Cathedral. Michelle Obama campaigned against Trump during his presidential campaigns and has been vocal in her criticism of him.
All three former presidents and their wives attended Trump's first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after her loss to Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Carter also attended the event.
