Michelle Obama is getting real about why she skipped Donald Trump‘s second inauguration—and she’s not holding back. On a recent episode of the ‘IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’ podcast, which she co-hosts with her brother, the ‘Becoming’ author spoke for the first time on her absence.
RELATED: Let ‘Em Know! Michelle Obama Breaks Silence & Addresses Divorce Speculation Surrounding Her & Barack (AUDIO)
The Former First Lady Sets The Record Straight
Michelle shared that she’s in a new season of her life—one where she’s prioritizing herself unapologetically. During a heartfelt conversation with her brother, Craig Robinson, and actress Taraji P. Henson, she reflected on her decision to miss the ceremony.
“My decision to skip the inauguration, what people don’t realize, or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me, were met with such ridicule and criticism. People couldn’t believe that I was saying no for any other reason, that they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart,” Michelle Obama revealed.
She continued, “I’m here really trying to own my life and intentionally practice making the choice that was right for me.”
Michelle explained that in order to follow through with her decision, she had to “trick herself out of it”—starting by telling her team not to have a dress ready. Even though she’s always prepared, this time she made sure she wasn’t.
Michelle added that it took everything in her power “to not do the thing that…was perceived as right, but do the things that was right for me.”
The Internet Had Her Back!
In The Shade Room’s comment section, fans are applauding the former First Lady for putting herself first. Here’s how they’re reacting:
Instagram user @diandre.richie said, “She doesn’t owe yall anything 🤣 the whole Trump family didn’t go to Biden’s inauguration but yall always forget what that man does”
Likewise, Instagram user @healedhealer_ added, “No is a complete sentence. She shouldn’t even have to explain this.”
And, Instagram user @tiffanylashay___ wrote, “Very classy. Very demure. Protect your peace at all cost.”
Instagram user @shanah3005 said, “You don’t have to explain. We get it!”
While Instagram user @tinkydadean wrote, “Girl we don’t care & ain’t mad at you, but Obama shoulda stayed home as well.”
Finally, Instagram user @bougie_1911 commented, “❤️❤️❤️she’s a Capricorn ♑️ and if we don’t wanna go we won’t 💅🏾💅🏾 theeee end 💯💯💯”
More On Michelle Obama’s Decision To Skip Donald Trump’s Second Inauguration
Michelle Obama’s decision to skip Trump’s January 2025 ceremony had the internet shook—and the backlash was real!
She faced major criticism after choosing to skip Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this year, and the internet did not hold back. Some people couldn’t wrap their heads around the idea that she just wanted to do what was best for her, so naturally, rumors started flying. The biggest one? That her marriage to former President Barack Obama was on the rocks.
As previously covered by The Shade Room, Michelle opened up on Sophia Bush’s ‘Work In Progress’ podcast, saying, “They couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”
She added, “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making decisions for herself, right?”
Of course, the backlash wasn’t just online whispers. Previously discussed by The Shade Room, Kid Rock jumped in to share his two cents, making his feelings known loud and clear. The singer commented, “I did not vote for [Obama] but they asked me to play the inauguration, and I played it, and I went.”
Despite the criticism, the former First Lady is making one thing clear—she’s choosing her these days, and she’s doing things on her own terms.
