Michelle Obama recently opened up about her decision to skip Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. During an episode of her podcast “IMO” with her brother Craig Robinson, she shared the emotional struggle behind her choice, which attracted public attention and criticism.
Michelle explained that her absence was a hard decision, but she felt it was the right one for her. She spoke with actress Taraji P. Henson about the ridicule she faced for not attending the ceremony. Despite the backlash, she stood firm in her choice, emphasizing that it was important for her to prioritize her own feelings over societal expectations.
To ensure she wouldn’t change her mind, Michelle took a unique approach. She intentionally did not prepare any outfits for the event. She thought, “If I’m not going to do this thing, I’ve got to tell my team. I don’t even want to have a dress ready.” This strategy helped her avoid the temptation to backtrack and attend the inauguration.
Michelle also addressed rumors about her marriage to Barack Obama, which surfaced after her absence. She clarified that her decision had nothing to do with their relationship. She noted that people often jumped to conclusions, assuming that her absence meant there were issues in her marriage. “It took everything in my power to not do the thing that was perceived as right, but do the thing that was right for me,” she said.
Her experience at the inauguration has become a lesson for her, especially in the context of teaching young women about the importance of saying no. She wants to encourage others to stand firm in their decisions, even when faced with pressure.
Michelle’s absence from the inauguration was not her only recent no-show; she also skipped President Jimmy Carter’s funeral earlier that month. Reports suggest she has distanced herself from public life in Washington, D.C., aiming to be more deliberate about her public appearances.
In the podcast, Michelle emphasized the need to break free from the pressure of societal expectations, especially in a world filled with contradictions. She is determined to set a positive example for her daughters, Malia and Sasha, and to show that it’s okay to prioritize personal beliefs over public perception.