Michelle Obama to Absent Trump Inauguration as Ex-Presidents Attend

Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, a decision that comes as former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, along with their spouses, are expected to be in attendance.

"Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration," said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama that was shared with The Associated Press.

No explanation was given for why Michelle Obama would be skipping Trump's inauguration, which marks her second absence in as many weeks from a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses. She also did not attend last week's state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter, where all three former presidents and their wives attended except for her.

Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony, confirmed by a person familiar with his schedule. Hillary Clinton will also be there, according to a spokesperson. The Office of George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush are attending as well.

Michelle Obama was the only spouse absent from the service last week at Washington National Cathedral, where her husband and Trump were seated next to each other and chatted and laughed like old friends despite the history of political animosity between the Democratic former president and the returning Republican.

All three former presidents and their wives attended Trump's first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after she lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Carter also attended.