Michelle Obama sparks outrage for giving Donald Trump's inauguration a miss: 'Seems really petty'

WASHINGTON, DC: Former first lady Michelle Obama will not be attending the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, reported Guardian.

It would be the second gathering of former presidents and their spouses that she would be absent from in this month.

Her husband, former President Barack Obama will be present at the ceremony with fellow former POTUS Bill Clinton and George W Bush. Their spouses, former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, are also slated to attend, as per Associated Press.

Statement from Barack and Michelle Obama's Office

A statement shared from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama that was shared with AP read, “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration."

The statement did not provide an explanation for Michelle's absence from the event. It comes shortly after her notable absence from former President Jimmy Carter's state funeral on Thursday, January 9, at Washington National Cathedral.

Barack Obama was seated beside Trump at the ceremony, and the two were seen engaged in cordial conversation.

According to Guardian, Michelle's decision to skip Trump's inauguration was a break in traditional protocol, as all living former presidents and their spouses usually attend presidential inaugurations regardless of their political affiliations.

However, Trump was ahead of her in terms of breaking inauguration day traditions. He became the first outgoing president since 1869 to not attend his successor Joe Biden's inauguration back in 2021, as per BBC.

Internet trolls Michelle Obama for deciding to skip Trump inauguration

Netizens, especially MAGA supporters, slammed the ex-FLOTUS for not attending Trump's second inauguration. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"This is the type of behavior that makes you the losing team," wrote a user.

"She won’t be missed," shared another.

"Seems really petty if it’s to make a point," stated a third.

"She opted out of one President's funeral and another's Inauguration. What is wrong with her? She is being disrespectful," observed a fourth.

"She's just as much a disgrace as she's always been!!" exclaimed a fifth.

"Thank goodness. What a nice thing to do for the people who are attending," mocked a sixth.

However, some people praised Michelle for staying true to her values, as one user wrote, "Move that reflects her integrity and principles."

"Looks like Michelle has reached the point where she just ain't going to do what she doesn't want to do," pointed out another.

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