Reforms Trump is making in his first days in office
Donald Trump was sworn in as US 47th president on January 20, 2025.
10d agoWILLIAM WANYOIKEInfographics
For the better part of Tuesday, former US First Lady Michelle Obama has been trending on X.
Users across the world united to give their opinions after she missed the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th US President.
All US living first ladies accompanied their husbands to the ceremony, save for Michelle.
Obama made a solo entrance at the Capitol.
With mixed reactions, at least 35,100 posts were made about her.
Several people backed her decision with expressions like “I love her”, to “I’m proud of her”.
Others, however, frowned upon her decision, questioning why she made it.
Singer Ricky Davila said, “Forever First Lady Michelle Obama understood the entire assignment and didn’t care how it looked. I love her.”
“The fact that Barack Obama was at the inauguration shows exactly what kind of person he is. The fact that Michelle Obama was not at the inauguration shows exactly what kind of person she is. And that is exactly why I still love them both!” an X user said.
“I have so much respect for Michelle Obama for being an example of how to protect your peace by staying out of places that don’t deserve you,” Tanisha Long said.
“Well, my takeaway is that Michelle Obama is the smartest person on the planet,” a user said.
One Don Salmon reminded the critics that in 2021, then outgoing president, Trump did not welcome or attend the inauguration of 46th President Joe Biden.
“A lot of people are attacking Michelle Obama for not attending Donald Trump's inauguration claiming it is the first time in 150 years. They forget that Trump and his wife did not attend Joe Biden's inauguration four years ago the double standard and racism,” Salmon said.
“Where was Trump at Biden’s 2021 inauguration? He was the first former president to skip an inauguration in 150 years. Michelle Obama was never president and isn’t the outgoing First Lady,” another user said.
A user wondered if all was well with the former First Lady, saying “Michelle Obama was absent for the Carter Funeral and the Inauguration. I don’t think it’s a big deal but I’m wondering if everything is ok”.
Last week, Michelle’s office said she would not be attending the inauguration, without explaining her decision.
“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,” a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama said
This came two weeks after she missed former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral.
The decision to forgo attendance at Trump’s formal swearing-in was a break with tradition for the ceremony, in which former presidents and their wives typically participate.
