Michelle Obama’s conspicuous absence at Barack Obama’s side in back-to-back events ignites divorce rumors

WASHINGTON, DC: Michelle Obama is going to miss the second public event in a row. 

After the former first lady did not attend former POTUS Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on January 9, Michelle, 60, has announced through a statement that she would not be present at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. 

However, her absence became the talking point online, as many speculated that all was not well between her and her husband, former president Barack Obama, per Nicki Swift.

Michelle Obama’s absence at Donald Trump’s inauguration sparks speculations

The 60th inauguration ceremony, taking place on January 20, Monday, will usher in a new Trump era. It will witness the presence of several other former presidents, first ladies, vice-presidents, and their spouses. 

The 39th President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on January 9 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, similarly saw a huge gathering which was attended by the likes of Trump and his wife Melania, former presidents Bill Clinton, George W Bush, and their wives, along with the outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris among others. 

While the event was dotted with multiple noteworthy events, including Barack Obama and Donald Trump’s hearty conversations and Melania’s interesting fashion choice, former first lady Michelle’s absence was notable. 

Though she attended former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in November 2023, she was unable to make it this time as the mother of two was in Hawaii, owing to a schedule conflict. 

Her representative, nevertheless, shared 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.”

On the heels of her missing Jimmy Carter’s funeral, comes the news of her skipping Trump’s inauguration, which has made fans speculate about marital strife between the Obamas. 

In a statement released by the Obamas’ representatives, it was said, "Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration," as reported by CBS News.

There was, however, no explanation given as to why the humanitarian and former first lady decided to skip the event. 

Soon fans took to social media to speculate what was wrong between the Obamas. Some even postulated that a divorce might be looming between the former first couple, and that their relationship might have hit the rocks. 

After dating for a few years, Michelle and Barack tied the knot in 1992. The former first couple welcomed two daughters together - Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23. 

Previously, Michelle opened up about the topic of compromising in marriages while revealing that for ten years during their three-decade-old marriage, she could not stand her husband, per Nicki Swift. 

Speaking to Revolt in 2022, the mother-of-two said, "People think I'm being catty by saying this. It's like, there were 10 years where I couldn't stand my husband, and guess when it happened? When those kids were little.”

She further reflected on the imbalance of power while bringing up their two daughters, as she declared poignantly, "Guess what? Marriage isn't fifty-fifty.”

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama spark marital discord rumors

Internet abounded with theories that Barack Obama and Michelle Obama could be facing marital troubles as the former first lady will not be attending a public event twice in a row. 

One social media user mused, "I’m guessing the Obama’s are separated."

Someone else asked, "Wonder if he and Barry are on the rocks 😁."

"Sounds like there is trouble in paradise," observed another user. 

Another penned, "Rumors are circulating that she and Barrack are no longer living together.."

"Hearing serious talk that the reason Michelle isn't at the funeral isn't that she wasn't invited, but that she and Barack are on the outs," said political activist Jack Posobiec.

A person remarked, "Michelle Obama will have DIVORCE Papers ready."

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.