Michelle Obama breaks her silence on skipping Trump’s inauguration, revealing a powerful statement about standing up for one’s values and principles.
Michelle Obama has been relatively quiet about her decision to skip President Donald Trump‘s inauguration in 2017. However, in a recent interview, she finally broke her silence on the matter.
Michelle Obama is a former First Lady of the United States, married to President Barack Obama.
Born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, she graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
As First Lady, Michelle Obama launched the 'Let's Move!' initiative to combat childhood obesity and the 'Reach Higher' program to inspire girls to pursue higher education.
She has received numerous awards for her work on women's empowerment, including the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.
A Decision Made with Purpose
The former First Lady explained that she and her husband, Barack Obama, decided not to attend the inauguration because they did not want to be seen as celebrating or legitimizing Donald Trump‘s presidency. This decision was made with purpose, as Michelle Obama stated that they wanted to send a message about their values and principles.
A Message of Disagreement
Michelle Obama emphasized that her husband and she were deeply disappointed by Trump‘s campaign rhetoric and policies, particularly those affecting women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community. By skipping the inauguration, they aimed to convey their disapproval and distance themselves from the new administration. This decision was not taken lightly, as it required them to navigate the complexities of being a newly minted former First Couple.

Born on June 14, 1946, Donald Trump is an American businessman, television personality, and politician.
He served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
Prior to his presidency, Trump was a successful real estate developer and builder, transforming the family business into a global brand.
He has also appeared in various reality TV shows, including 'The Apprentice' and 'Celebrity Apprentice'.
Trump's presidential campaign focused on populist policies, including immigration reform and trade protectionism.
A Statement on Values
The Obama‘s decision to skip the inauguration has been seen by many as a powerful statement about the importance of standing up for one’s values and principles. As Michelle Obama put it, ‘We can’t just stand there and watch what we’ve worked so hard for be undermined.’ Her words serve as a reminder that being an active participant in democracy requires difficult choices and unwavering commitment to one’s convictions.
A Lasting Legacy
In the years since skipping the inauguration, Michelle Obama has continued to speak out on issues close to her heart. From advocating for education and healthy eating initiatives to supporting women’s rights and social justice causes, she has remained a powerful voice for change. Her decision to skip the inauguration was just one example of her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
A Reflection on the Decision
Looking back, Michelle Obama acknowledged that skipping the inauguration may have sparked controversy and debate. However, she emphasized that it was a decision they were willing to make again in a heartbeat. ‘We would do it all over again,’ she said, underscoring her conviction that standing up for one’s values is essential to being an active and responsible citizen.