Michelle Obama doesn't want to 'pretend' at Trump inauguration: report

Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News on Jan 15, 2025

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After Michelle Obama’s office confirmed that the former First Lady will not be present at Donald Trump’s inauguration, many people have speculated about the reason for her absence.

A source close to the “Becoming” author says she simply does not want to be “pretend” with someone she feels is a threat to American democracy.

“There’s no overstating her feelings about Trump. She’s not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake,” the source told People. “Michelle doesn’t do anything because it’s expected or it’s protocol or it’s tradition.”

The source added that Trump’s history of attacking the Obama family and making degrading comments about people of color doesn’t sit well with her. “She served in the public eye and did all the public good that she could for eight years as first lady,” the source continued. “You’ll see her when she has a project or cause to promote but she doesn’t feel the need to be a public figure anymore.”

On Tuesday, the former First Lady’s office confirmed that she wouldn’t join her husband, former president Barack Obama, at Trump’s inauguration.

This comes almost one week after she missed former president Jimmy Carter’s funeral, where she would have been seated next to Donald Trump.

On Thursday morning, Mrs. Obama’s spokesperson released a statement. “Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carter’s National Funeral Service,” her spokesperson Crystal Carson confirmed to PEOPLE. “Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President.”

CNN’s Jeff Zeleny reported that the former First Lady’s advisors credited the absence to a scheduling conflict due to “an extended holiday vacation.”

Historically, inaugurations are an occasion when all former presidents and former first ladies come together to witness the peaceful transition of power. However, Trump pivoted from that long standing tradition when he didn’t show up to Biden’s inauguration after losing the election in 2020.

With roles reversed, Biden will be present for Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.