Former First Lady Michelle Obama would not attend the inauguration of Donald Trump, her office confirmed giving no explanation. The statement said that Obama is confirmed to attend the event. “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,” said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama.
This is the second event in two weeks that Michelle Obama would not be seen — the first being former president Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Had Michelle Obama attended the event, she would have to sit next to Donald Trump. In her absence, Obama sat beside Donald Trump and the two were seen engaged in a conversation that looked friendly on the camera piquing the interest of the observers about what they actually discussed.
For missing Jimmy Carter’s funeral, Michelle’s office said she was in Hawaii on an extended holiday vacation. There was a scheduling conflict, it was said.
Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony, a person familiar with the former president’s schedule confirmed for the AP. Hillary Clinton will also attend, a spokesperson said. The Office of George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush are attending.
Trump’s January 2017 swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Obamas, outgoing Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, former President George W. Bush and former President Jimmy Carter.
The 2017 swearing-in ceremony was also attended by a number of key members of Trump’s family and inner circle, including wife Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr. and then-wife Vanessa Trump, Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump and Barron Trump.
Trump did not attend Joe Biden’s inauguration breaking the tradition for the first time in more than 150 years.