Overview

• Michelle Obama revealed on her podcast that skipping President Trump’s second inauguration was a deliberate act of prioritizing her mental health and personal agency.
• She dismissed rumors about marital issues with Barack Obama, emphasizing that the decision was unrelated to their relationship.
• Obama shared that she intentionally avoided preparing for the event, including withholding wardrobe options, to ensure she followed through on her choice.
• Therapy has been pivotal in helping her embrace self-care and develop the 'muscle' to say no, a lesson she hopes to pass on to her daughters and other women.
• The move challenges traditional expectations for former first ladies, sparking broader discussions on autonomy, gendered roles, and mental health advocacy.