Barack Obama's solo appearance at Donald Trump's inauguration triggers Internet: 'Where is Michelle?!'

WASHINGTON DC: Barack Obama's solo appearance at Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, January 20, sparked widespread reactions online.

The former president was seen walking alone through the Capitol Rotunda, raising questions about the absence of Michelle Obama from the event. 

Michelle Obama offers no reason to skip Donald Trump's inauguration 

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States during a ceremony held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda.

The event marked the Republican leader’s return to the White House, overcoming a series of political and personal challenges, including impeachments, criminal indictments, and assassination attempts.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by global leaders, politicians, and celebrities, however, what drew the Internet's attention was Michelle Obama’s absence drew attention.

Former president Barack Obama’s solo appearance at the event also sparked speculations about the couple's relationship as Michelle Obama had also skipped former president Jimmy Carter’s state funeral earlier in the month.

CNN had reported that Michelle remained in Hawaii due to a “scheduling conflict” during Carter’s funeral.

NBC News noted no explanation was provided for her absence from Trump’s inauguration.

Is Michelle Obama and Barack Obama's relationship in trouble?

Online rumors have suggested marital challenges between the Obamas. An insider dished to Radar Online, "The Obamas are having a tough time, there's no doubt about that. The Aniston "affair" attention was unwanted, and Michelle felt let down by it all."

But the reality is, they're "more like friends at the moment. The spark has gone, and they're simply going through the motions."

Meanwhile, Trump’s fiery inauguration speech reflected on his journey back to the presidency. Addressing about 600 attendees, the 47th US President stated, "The decline is over," and pledged to usher in a "new golden age of America."

The former president recounted surviving an assassination attempt, saying, "Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom and indeed, to take my life," Daily Mail reported. 

"Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin's bullet ripped through my ear, but I felt then and believe, even more so now that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again," he added.

Internet asks 'where is Michelle' as Barack Obama spotted alone at Donald Trump's inauguration 

Clips of Barack Obama walking alone through the Capitol went viral quickly, prompting emotional responses from netizens who speculated the reason behind his wife's absence from the event. Obama’s demeanor also became a point of focus.

"He just looks stressed out," one person wrote. “A great man. This makes me sad,” wrote another user.

Another asked, "Glad he showed up, but where is big Mike?"

Other people speculated about the couple’s relationship. One person user noted, "By himself. Where is Michelle!!!"

Another remarked, "Michelle is a terrible person for not attending… or is something else going on between her and Obama?"

One individual added, "I feel for this guy. Such a complicated man with such a complicated story. A ray of hope that turned toxic."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.