Former first lady Michelle Obama to skip Trump inauguration

The former first lady will not be appearing at President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, even though her husband, President Barack Obama, will be, the Associated Press reported. WORLD sought to confirm the report with the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama but as of Tuesday afternoon, had not received a response. Michelle Obama recently skipped former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. Her husband appeared at the funeral.

Why is she missing the inauguration? The Obamas’ office did not provide an explanation for her absence, the Associated Press reported.

Are other presidents and first ladies attending the inauguration? The White House has confirmed that President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will attend. Former President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush are expected to attend. Former President Bill Clinton is also expected to attend the inauguration along with his wife, former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Each of these presidents and first ladies were also present at former President Carter’s funeral.

Dig deeper: Read my report in The Sift about former President Carter’s scripture-laden funeral.