Here’s why Michelle Obama was absent from Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony

Michelle Obama Breaks Silence on Skipping Trump’s Inauguration

Michelle Obama has finally addressed the buzz surrounding her decision to skip President Donald Trump’s second inauguration — and she’s standing firm with no regrets.

Putting Herself First

In a revealing episode of her podcast IMO, which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, Michelle opened up during a conversation with actress Taraji P. Henson. The former First Lady, now 60, shared that she’s learning to prioritize her own well-being — even when the public doesn’t get it.

Therapy, she said, has empowered her to say “no” without guilt.
“When I chose not to attend the inauguration — or made other choices earlier this year — people assumed the worst,” Michelle explained. “They jumped to conclusions about my marriage instead of realizing I was doing what felt right for me.”

Facing the Backlash

Speculation swirled online, especially after Michelle also missed the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Still, she stood her ground.

“It wasn’t easy,” she admitted. “It took everything in me to resist the pressure and focus on what I truly needed.”

She even had a tactic to prevent backpedaling — she didn’t pick an outfit.
“If the outfit’s in the closet, it’s too easy to slide into the role people expect,” she said.

Michelle Obama in an IMO episode, Photo Credit: Entertainment Tonight/Youtube

A Bigger Message for Women

Taraji P. Henson praised Michelle’s openness, noting how women are often expected to absorb everyone else’s emotions.
“Women are the shock absorbers,” Henson said. “And it’s exhausting.”

Michelle agreed. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries — not just for herself, but for her daughters, Malia and Sasha.
“If I’m still trying to prove myself to the world after all I’ve achieved, what does that teach the next generation?” she asked.

Saying “No” Without Guilt

She encouraged women to strengthen their ability to say “no” without shame.
“I want my daughters to start practicing that earlier than I did,” Michelle said. “It’s a muscle they need.”

And her message couldn’t be clearer:
“The world keeps spinning even when you say no,” she declared. “It doesn’t fall apart because you put yourself first.”

Final Word

With her latest comments, Michelle Obama sends a bold message. Women don’t need to explain their choices. Sometimes, the most powerful statement is simply choosing yourself.