Credited from: THEHILL
Key takeaways from the recent news:
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has announced she will not be attending the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, adding to her absence from former President Jimmy Carter's funeral just days prior. The announcement, confirmed through a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama, provided no specific reason for her decision. This marks the second significant event in two weeks that Michelle Obama has chosen to miss, leaving some observers noting the implications of her absence at such high-profile gatherings.
During the upcoming inauguration on January 20, her husband, Barack Obama, will join fellow former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with their wives, in a public display of political tradition that Michelle Obama will notably break. In contrast, past inaugural ceremonies have seen participation from all former presidents, including Barack Obama at Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. His interaction with Trump then was friendly, a stark contrast to the current absence of his wife.
As former leaders gather, President Joe Biden also confirmed his attendance, stating, “Of course I am,” emphasizing that skipping an inauguration is a rarity among outgoing presidents. Trump's prior decision to skip Biden's inauguration in 2021 marked a notable break from tradition — the first time in over 150 years an incoming president would not attend the ceremony of the successor.
The absence of Michelle Obama reflects a growing trend among some former leaders to step back from traditional political norms. The public has shown significant interest in these dynamics, particularly in light of conversations she could have had with Trump had she chosen to attend. For further details, you can read the original articles from India Times, SCMP, USA Today, and The Hill.