Michelle Obama Will Not Attend Trump’s Inauguration, According to Her Office
The former first lady chose not to attend the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter earlier this month.
Former first lady Michelle Obama has confirmed her absence from President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 20, while former President Barack Obama will be present.
“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will be absent from the upcoming inauguration,” stated a representative from Barack and Michelle Obama’s office on Tuesday. No additional reason was given in the announcement.
The former first lady also did not participate in the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter this month, which was attended by all living former presidents and vice presidents, with the exception of former Vice President Dick Cheney.
In another notable absence, Michelle Obama was the only spouse not present at last week’s service held at Washington National Cathedral, where her husband and Trump were seated side by side, engaging in conversation.
At Trump’s first inauguration in January 2017, all three former presidents and their wives were in attendance, including Hillary Clinton following her loss in the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Carter was also a participant in the event.
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On January 18, a fireworks display and reception will be hosted at Trump’s golf course in Sterling, Virginia. The following day, Trump will commemorate his pledge by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, where military personnel are interred.
On the evening of January 19, Trump will conduct a rally at the Capital One Arena in Washington, marking his first rally since securing the presidency in November, along with various events scheduled throughout the day.
The next day, January 20, Trump will attend a service at St. John’s Church in Washington. At noon, he is set to take the presidential oath at the U.S. Capitol, with Chief Justice John Roberts officiating the ceremony.
“I do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States,” Trump is anticipated to declare.
Additionally, on January 20, Trump will review U.S. military troops, partake in a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, and convene a signing ceremony near the Senate chamber.
“At present, we are not tracking any specific or credible threats towards the inaugural ceremony or the Capitol complex,” stated FBI special agent David Sundberg during a Monday press briefing. “We will continue to collaborate closely with our partners to share vital information and identify and mitigate any potential threats that may arise.”
The inauguration committee organizing the event, led by Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and former Senator Kelly Loeffler, has stated that Trump is “committed to unifying the nation through the strength, security, and opportunity of his America First agenda.”
“The 2025 inaugural celebrations will signify President-elect Trump’s historic return to the White House and the decisive choice made by the American people to Make America Great Again,” Witkoff and Loeffler mentioned in their released statement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
