Michelle Obama labeled 'pathetic' for skipping Jimmy Carter's funeral during extended vacation

WASHINGTON, DC: Michelle Obama made headlines for skipping former president Jimmy Carter’s funeral on Thursday, January 9, and observers across the aisle have not let it slide.

While her husband Barack Obama attended the ceremony at Washington National Cathedral, the former first lady remained in Hawaii due to what was described as a “scheduling conflict.”

Michelle Obama skips Jimmy Carter's funeral

According to Michelle Obama’s spokesperson Crystal Carson, the 60-year-old was unable to attend the funeral of the 39th president because of prior commitments. Carson issued a statement saying, “Mrs Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President.”

CNN added that Michelle was on an “extended vacation” in Hawaii during the event. Meanwhile, a source close to her confirmed to Politico that this vacation prevented her from attending.

Notably, Michelle was supposed to sit next to President-elect Donald Trump during the service, which some speculated might have contributed to her decision.

State funerals for former presidents are important occasions, bringing together the nation’s most prominent figures across political divides. In addition to Barack Obama, attendees included President Joe Biden, former presidents Bill Clinton, George W Bush, and Donald Trump, as well as current and former first ladies and vice presidents.

These events provide a rare glimpse into the interactions between leaders of past and present. For instance, Barack Obama and Donald Trump exchanged some words and even shared a laugh during Carter’s funeral, appearing cordial despite their well-documented political clashes.

Michelle Obama slammed for absence

As soon as news of Michelle Obama’s absence broke, critics on X (formerly Twitter) slammed her decision to prioritize her vacation over attending the funeral.

“Michelle Obama couldn’t make Pres. Jimmy Carter’s funeral... she sends regrets from HAWAII where she is on EXTENDED VACATION,” one user wrote.

“So if a former president of the United States dies, you would think that as a former first lady, you would stop your vacation and go to the funeral. It just seems fishy to me that Michelle didn’t show up,” another said.

“Michelle Obama wasn’t willing to interrupt her Hawaiian vacation to attend the Jimmy Carter funeral. Really bad look for her. She should have been there. Every other former First Lady was,” a user insisted.

Others speculated that her absence was motivated by a reluctance to sit next to Donald Trump.

“Michelle Obama is on vacation in Hawaii & skipped Carter’s funeral because she didn’t want to sit next to Donald Trump. A former FLOTUS too petty to pay her respects at a former president’s funeral. Pathetic & classless, but it’s nice to know she’s still seething over DJT’s win,” read a scathing comment.

Some argued that Michelle’s absence reflected poorly on her legacy as a former first lady.

“By not showing up today at Jimmy Carter’s funeral @MichelleObama insulted America and @FLOTUS44 embarrassed herself. There is no excuse good enough to erase her shame. No reason whatsoever. Michelle Obama should be ashamed to show her face in public ever again,” someone else fumed.

“If Melania tried to pull a stunt like Michelle Obama did by having a scheduling conflict and not going to Jimmy Carter's funeral, the Democrats would blow a gasket!” another noted.

Michelle Obama’s history with Donald Trump

It’s no secret that Michelle Obama has been one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics. She has previously called him unfit for office and delivered impassioned speeches urging Americans to vote against him.

Michelle warned voters as she stumped for Kamala Harris in the lead up to the 2024 election: “To anyone out there thinking about sitting out this election, or voting for Donald Trump, or voting for a third-party candidate in protest because you’re fed up. Let me warn you, your rage does not exist in a vacuum. If we don’t get this election right, your wife, your daughter, your mother, we as women will become collateral damage to your rage.”

Given her history with Trump, some speculated that her absence might have been more than just a scheduling conflict. However, no official comment was made about her decision beyond her spokesperson’s statement.

What went down at the funeral

While Michelle Obama skipped the event, her husband Barack Obama attended and engaged with other dignitaries, including Donald Trump. Obama even appeared to share a laugh with Trump and mingled with former presidents like Bill Clinton and George W Bush.

Trump also made headlines for shaking hands with former vice president Mike Pence, despite their fallout following the 2020 election and Pence’s refusal to overturn the results in Trump’s favor.

The next high-profile event bringing together the leaders will be the inauguration on January 20, when Donald Trump is sworn in for his second term. While Barack Obama will likely attend, Michelle’s spokesperson did not immediately confirm whether she will be present.

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