Michelle Obama Declines Attendance at Donald Trump's Inauguration

The former First Lady's decision breaks with longstanding tradition, citing past criticisms of Trump's rhetoric and its impact on her family's safety.

Michelle Obama will not attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. President, a departure from the tradition of former presidents and their spouses attending such ceremonies.
While no official reason was provided, Obama has previously criticized Trump, accusing him of endangering her family's safety through his rhetoric.
This decision follows her absence from the recent state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, where Barack Obama was present and seated next to Trump.
Other former presidents and their spouses, including George W. Bush, Laura Bush, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton, are expected to attend the inauguration.
Trump himself did not attend Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration, with his absence occurring shortly after the Capitol attack by his supporters contesting the election results.