(The Hill) – Former first lady Michelle Obama is skipping President-elect Trump’s inauguration next week, after raising eyebrows by not attending former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in Washington, D.C., last week.
In a statement, the Obama family said former President Obama would attend the inauguration.
“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,” the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama said in a statement.
Michelle Obama absent from Carter’s funeral
Former President Obama sat next to Trump at the Carter funeral last week, and they shared a cozy conversation, with Obama laughing and smiling at something Trump said ahead of the services held at the National Cathedral.
Former President George W. Bush at one point walked by Obama and gave him a belly tap but did not appear to acknowledge Trump. That moment went viral and led to speculation about Trump’s standing among the exclusive club of living past presidents.
Michelle Obama’s absence was notable given her tough past criticism of Trump, who succeeded her husband in office.
Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at the opening ceremony of the U.S. Open tennis championships on Aug. 28, 2023, in New York.
She has written of her anger with Trump, who for years pushed a conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. and thus was ineligible for the presidency.
“For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us. See, his limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black,” Michelle Obama said during her speech last summer at the Democratic National Convention.
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Her absence at Carter’s funeral was notable because of the presence of other living presidents and first ladies.
The Obamas said the former first lady was absent from the Carter ceremony due to a scheduling conflict.
“Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carter’s National Funeral Service,” a spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill.
“Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President,” the statement said.
CNN reported that the 60-year-old Obama was on an “extended holiday vacation” in Hawaii.
