Former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. did not attend the inauguration of President Trump. Her husband, the Bidens, the Bushes and the Clintons, however, were in attendance. 

Though Michelle attended the Trump inauguration in 2017, she described herself as feeling "unhappy" to be there.

"[T]here was no diversity, there was no color on that stage. There was no reflection of the broader sense of America. Many people took pictures of me, and they’re like, you weren’t in a good mood. No, I was not," she said.

Former presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris was among several political attendees. In her concession speech, she spoke to "the fight" taking longer to win. 

“Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn't mean we won't win. The important thing is don't ever give up. Don't ever stop trying to make the world a better place. You have power."

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson joined Harris in attending the inauguration. She wore a cowrie shell collar and a facial expression that media outlets are still evaluating. Cowrie shells represent resisting enslavement and embracing fertility.   

Along the lines of power, perhaps it was Michelle Obama standing in hers that led her to sit this one out. No reason has been provided. Still, she joins 92% of Black women whose political stances aligned with that of Harris.

At the 2025 Peace Ball, also held in Washington, activist Angela Davis said, "There's more happening in the world than the inauguration of someone who represents fascism..."

Other Black women chose self-care, taking to TikTok to share how they wouldn't be engaging with the inauguration. Instead, they chose acts of self-care like drinking tea in bed or dancing to their favorite songs. 

Black women on TikTok also called attention to Michelle Obama not attending, asking that people let her rest. The mother of two contributed to Harris' campaign and continues to lead philanthropic efforts of her own.

Despite not yet speaking to her absence at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, Michelle Obama has spoken to the importance of self-care. She's done so on a number of occasions dating back to the release of her book "Becoming."

"If you don't get out there and define yourself, you'll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others...becoming isn't about arriving somewhere...instead...a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self."

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