Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has opened up about her decision to not attend President Donald Trump’s second inauguration earlier this year, citing deep personal convictions and concerns about the state of American democracy.
In a candid interview released on Thursday, Michelle Obama stated that her absence was a “personal decision rooted in principle,” noting the events leading up to the inauguration and the political climate that followed the contentious 2024 elections.
“I couldn’t, in good conscience, participate in an event that I felt contradicted the values I hold dear — unity, truth, and respect for democratic institutions,” she said. “I chose to honor the peaceful transfer of power in my own way, but not by standing on that platform.”
The former First Lady also emphasized her continued commitment to civic engagement and national healing, urging Americans to “stay hopeful, stay involved, and never stop working for the country we believe in.”
Her remarks have reignited discussions about the deep political divisions in the United States and the symbolic significance of high-profile figures at state ceremonies.
