Michelle Obama has recently opened up about her decision to skip Donald Trump’s January inauguration — a move that drew considerable public attention.
Her absence, particularly following her no-show at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter (where she would have been seated next to Trump), fueled widespread speculation. Some suggested political tensions were to blame, while others wondered if there were personal issues between her and former President Barack Obama.
However, in a candid discussion on her new podcast, where she was joined by actress Taraji P. Henson, the 61-year-old former First Lady set the record straight. As reported by Today, Michelle explained that her choice had nothing to do with political drama or personal scandal. Instead, it was a deeply personal act of self-care.
“I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m finally defining what my life looks like — on my own terms,” she shared. She also mentioned that therapy helped her navigate this stage, allowing her to prioritize her own emotional and mental well-being.
At the time of the inauguration, the Obamas’ team released a concise statement confirming that Barack Obama would attend the event while Michelle would not, without offering any further details.
The lack of context sparked even more rumors and led to assumptions that something more serious — perhaps even marital trouble — was behind her absence.
Michelle addressed those rumors head-on, telling listeners that the public seemed unwilling to accept that her decision was simply personal. “People assumed my marriage was falling apart because they couldn’t imagine any other reason I wouldn’t be there,” she said, according to The New York Post.
She acknowledged that going against public expectations was difficult
“It took all of my strength not to do what others thought was appropriate, and instead choose what felt right for me.”
Michelle added that it was a moment of growth and self-assertion — one that she hopes to pass on to her daughters, Sasha and Malia.
“I want them to start building the habit of saying no when it’s necessary,” she said. “They’re so focused on doing well, making everyone happy, being grateful — but I want them to understand that they are already enough. Saying no is something you have to practice; it’s like building a muscle.”
Although Michelle Obama did attend Trump’s inauguration in 2017, she hasn’t hidden her disapproval of him since. She’s described the former president in harsh terms, calling him “a convicted felon, a known slumlord,” and “a predator found liable for se.xual abuse,” according to The Independent.
Ultimately, Michelle’s choice to prioritize her own needs over public appearances reflects a broader message she hopes to model: the importance of setting boundaries and choosing authenticity over performative politeness.
