Why Michelle Obama was not at Jimmy Carter’s Funeral
Published January 20, 2025 10:55am CST
We discuss where former First Lady Michelle Obama was during the Jimmy Carter funeral.
WASHINGTON – Former first lady Michelle Obama will skip the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,” said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama that was shared with The Associated Press.
No specific explanation was given for why Michelle Obama was skipping Trump’s inauguration.
Why didn’t Michelle Obama go to Carter’s funeral?
This is the second time in two weeks that Michelle Obama is not attending a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses.
She also did not attend last week’s state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter. Former presidents Trump, Obama, Bush and Clinton and their spouses attended — except for her.
Michelle Obama was the only spouse absent from the service last week at Washington National Cathedral, where her husband and Trump were seated next to each other and chatted and laughed like old friends despite the history of political animosity between the Democratic former president and the returning Republican.
All five living current and former presidents were in attendance, but only four first ladies.
Journalist Jeff Zeleny shared on CNN that the former First Lady had scheduling conflicts. “I’m told by her advisors that she has scheduling conflicts.” He went on to say “She’s still in Hawaii.”
She most likely would have sat next to her husband, beside President-elect Trump.
Who is attending Trump’s inauguration?
What we know:
Former President Barack Obama will be in attendance at Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony, a person familiar with the former president’s schedule confirmed for the AP. Hillary Clinton will also attend, a spokesperson said.
The Office of George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush are attending.
All three former presidents and their wives attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after she lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Carter also attended.