Former first lady Michelle Obama has decided to skip two high-profile events: the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and the funeral of President Jimmy Carter.
The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama confirmed that Michelle will not attend the inauguration ceremony on Monday, though former President Barack Obama will be present.
A Scheduling Conflict and Personal Reasons Behind Her Absences
Michelle Obama’s absence at President Carter’s funeral last week raised eyebrows, especially as she missed the service at the Washington National Cathedral.
Her spokesperson cited a “scheduling conflict,” revealing that she was spending time in Hawaii, where her husband, Barack Obama, was born, for an extended holiday break.
Michelle also marked her 61st birthday on Friday.
The former first lady has been less publicly active in recent months, especially since the passing of her mother, Marian Robinson, in May.
At the Democratic National Convention in August, she spoke emotionally about her grief and how it almost kept her from attending the event.
Despite her personal loss, Michelle still played a prominent role in supporting Vice President Kamala Harris during the election campaign.
The Tradition of Attending Inaugurations and the Exception to the Rule
Traditionally, former presidents and first ladies attend the inauguration of their successors, regardless of party affiliation, unless health issues prevent their participation.
However, this modern tradition was upended four years ago when President Trump skipped the inauguration of his successor, President Joe Biden.
His wife, Melania Trump, also chose not to attend.
While Michelle Obama will not be at the upcoming event, Barack Obama is still scheduled to attend the swearing-in ceremony, continuing the tradition of former presidents participating in the transition of power.
Trump and Obama Share an Unexpected Moment at Carter’s Memorial
Despite their long-standing political rivalry, Donald Trump and Barack Obama shared a moment of camaraderie at the memorial service for President Jimmy Carter.
The two were seen chatting and laughing, a surprising interaction given their past history.
Trump had famously pushed the “birther” conspiracy theory about Obama, questioning the legitimacy of his birth certificate, and Obama once humiliated Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an incident that many believe fueled Trump’s decision to run for president in 2016.
Tensions Among Other Dignitaries at the Memorial
While Obama and Trump were seen enjoying a conversation, other figures at the memorial service appeared to avoid engaging with the Trumps.
Former second lady Karen Pence notably refused to acknowledge the Trumps, remaining seated as they passed by.
However, former Vice President Mike Pence greeted Trump with a handshake, and former President George W. Bush greeted Obama before turning to acknowledge Trump.
The interactions reflect the strained relationships among key figures in American politics, particularly following the January 6 Capitol insurrection, which deeply affected many former Trump allies.
While Bush has been vocal about the dangers of domestic terrorism, Trump has criticized his presidency, calling it “failed” and accusing him of not understanding the current political climate.
As the country prepares for the inauguration, these personal and political dynamics continue to unfold, showcasing the complex relationships that shape American leadership.
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