Staff Reports
The Obamas’ political choreography has taken an unexpected left turn ahead of Donald Trump’s second inauguration. While Barack Obama is set to show up and uphold tradition by attending the swearing-in, Michelle Obama is making headlines by opting out. It seems Michelle has a bone to pick, launching a very public snub against the president-elect while she tackles her sour grapes.
The former first lady’s decision to boycott the inauguration is particularly striking when contrasted with the presence of Hillary Clinton, who historically has had her own issues with accepting defeat. Clinton’s willingness to put her grievances aside illustrates that perhaps a little political decorum is still valued, even if she isn’t the biggest fan of Trump. Meanwhile, Michelle appears to be doubling down on her resentment from the 2016 elections, showcasing a refusal to acknowledge the democratic process in favor of her own emotional state.
Michelle Obama Just Announced She Will Not Attend Donald Trump's Inauguration After Also Missing Jimmy Carter's Funeral – People. I think Barack should skip it too!😤 https://t.co/d7Q0Ra0BJl
— Patricia Yamane (@yamane_patricia) January 14, 2025
In a world of political norms, Barack Obama has taken the high road, reminding the nation that events like inaugurations are about the office, not the man. Reports indicate that while Trump and Obama have had their political disagreements, they can at least engage in civil conversation. Michelle, on the other hand, seems to be adamantly against shaking hands with the devil—unless it benefits her in some way. Her absence speaks volumes about her unwillingness to set aside personal feelings for something as mundane as tradition.
Despite attending Trump’s first inauguration back in 2017—an event she claimed left her in shock—Michelle Obama is now firmly entrenched in her disdain for the current administration. The irony of her distancing herself from civility is thick enough to cut with a knife. Once the poster child for the mantra “when they go low, we go high,” she has tossed that sage advice out the window, opting instead for a course of action that speaks to her uncompromising stance against anyone who doesn’t fit her vision for America.
As they say, in politics, what goes around comes around. With Trump’s return to the Oval Office for a second non-consecutive term, Michelle’s refusal to engage with him highlights a rather amusing aspect of her character. While some on the left have struggled between indignation and acceptance, she remains steadfastly entrenched in her beliefs, treating Trump as a demagogue rather than a duly elected president. Consistency may not be a virtue she embodies in every aspect of her life, but when it comes to her feelings towards Trump, she certainly has that in spades.
