Michelle Obama, the former first lady of the United States, will not attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump next week, a statement from her office said, although it did not give specific reasons for her absence from the grand event.
Former President Barack Obama has confirmed that he will attend the 60th inauguration. The decision to skip Trump’s official inauguration is a break with the tradition of the ceremony, where former presidents and their wives participate.
Former Presidents George W. Bush and Laura Bush will attend the inauguration, her office said, and sources familiar with the matter said that former Presidents Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton will also be there.
Michelle Obama also did not attend the private funeral of former President Jimmy Carter last week. Historically, first wives have attended inaugurations as a sign of respect for the democratic process.
