‘Shark Tank’ investor Kevin O’Leary slams Michelle Obama for skipping Trump’s inauguration: ‘It’s wrong’
WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES: Kevin O’Leary, well-known 'Shark Tank' investor and vocal Donald Trump supporter, didn’t hold back when addressing former first lady Michelle Obama’s decision to skip President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Speaking on Fox News' 'Outnumbered', O’Leary criticized the move, calling it a break from tradition that undermines the values of American democracy, OK! Magazine reported.
Kevin O’Leary criticizes Michelle Obama’s decision to skip Donald Trump's inauguration
"This tradition has gone on for over a hundred years. This is what presidents do — and their wives — on inauguration day," Kevin O’Leary told viewers.
Kevin O'Leary on Michelle Obama not attending Trump inauguration;
— Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00) January 16, 2025
"This tradition has gone on for over 100 years... You have to respect it. I don't like what she's doing here. I'm against it. I think it's wrong." pic.twitter.com/kSIGU6UnYu
He argued that attending the event transcends politics, emphasizing the importance of unity during a peaceful transfer of power.
But O’Leary’s criticism didn’t stop there. Comparing Michelle's decision to Trump’s own controversial choice to skip Joe Biden’s swearing-in in 2020, O’Leary labeled both as “wrong".
"This is the holiest day of politics. It is the transition of power. You have to respect it," O’Leary continued. However, his comments glossed over the turbulent events surrounding Trump’s presidency, including his refusal to concede the 2020 election, alleged attempts to overturn the results, and the infamous January 6 Capitol riots.
"I don’t like what she’s doing here. I’m against it. I think it’s wrong," he added firmly, underscoring his disapproval.
O’Leary went on to argue that Michelle's absence sends a troubling message to the world about America’s values.
“It takes away from the institution of freedom and what the signal to the world is,” he explained, framing the inauguration as a symbolic cornerstone of democracy.
“I say this over and over again. It’s not energy. It’s not technology. The number one export is the American Dream. That’s why people come here. This messes with that,” he insisted, suggesting that the former first lady’s absence could somehow dissuade immigrants from pursuing their dreams in the United States.
Michelle Obama won't 'pretend for protocol's sake'
While Kevin O’Leary voiced his dissatisfaction, sources close to Michelle Obama revealed that her decision was deliberate and deeply personal.
“She’s never been fake, and she’s never been phony. She’s always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up,” an insider explained.
For Michelle, attending Trump’s inauguration would have required setting aside her genuine feelings about the incoming president, something she was unwilling to do.
"There’s no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. She’s not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake," another source revealed, highlighting her strong principles.
The history between the Obamas and Trump has been marked by tension for over a decade, with Trump frequently targeting the family with public insults.
From questioning Barack Obama’s birthplace to repeatedly emphasizing his middle name, Trump’s actions have stoked controversy and animosity.
"Michelle doesn’t do anything because it’s expected or it’s protocol or it’s tradition," a source added.
"She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesn’t have to unify around [Trump]. She doesn’t have to say anything. Her absence speaks volumes."
