The former First Lady ‘Michelle Obama’ shares the emotional reasons behind her absence and the moment she decided to step away.

July 03, 2025: Michelle Obama has finally opened up about a topic that has lingered in the public’s mind for years: why she chose not to attend Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in 2017. In a recent interview, the former First Lady candidly shared the personal reasons that led to her decision and the emotional weight behind it.

Michelle Obama Speaks Out

In her latest conversation on The Michelle Obama Podcast, the former First Lady reflected on the days following the 2016 election. She revealed that she made the decision to skip Donald Trump’s inauguration almost immediately after the results were announced.
“It just didn’t feel right,” Michelle said. “It felt personal. It felt bigger than politics. It was about the values and the tone that was being set for the nation.”

Image Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty

The Moment She Made the Decision

Michelle explained that the choice wasn’t made lightly. She described sitting alone after the election, reflecting on the divisive rhetoric that had dominated the campaign.
“As a Black woman, as a mother, and as someone who cares deeply about the future of this country, I couldn’t bring myself to stand and honor something that I fundamentally disagreed with,” she explained.

Keeping Her Decision Private — Until Now

For years, Michelle remained silent about her absence, allowing public speculation to swirl. She shared that she wanted to avoid adding more division during an already polarized time.
“Sometimes the best thing you can do is move quietly with your dignity intact,” she said.
Now, nearly a decade later, she feels it’s important to be honest about the internal struggle and ultimate decision that reflected her values.