The recent announcement that former First Lady Michelle Obama would not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration sparked intense debate. While some criticized her decision, others defended her right to choose. The internet was flooded with opinions, ranging from accusations of breaking tradition to praise for her independence.
Canadian investor Kevin O’Leary and musical artist Kid Rock, both Trump supporters, publicly expressed their disappointment. O’Leary felt Michelle’s absence was an insult, while Rock recalled performing at Barack Obama’s inauguration despite not voting for him. However, many argue that there’s a double standard at play, questioning why Michelle is being held to a different standard than former President Trump, who skipped Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2020.
Melissa Grelo, a Canadian TV host, pointed out the hypocrisy, saying, “What a bad look when a president doesn’t participate in the peaceful transfer of power. Leave Michelle out of this.” Another host echoed this sentiment, highlighting that First Ladies are often expected to attend events, but First Husbands are not held to the same standard.
A source close to Michelle Obama revealed that she’s not one to pretend for protocol’s sake, suggesting that her decision not to attend the inauguration was a deliberate choice. Ultimately, the debate surrounding Michelle’s inauguration absence raises important questions about tradition, protocol, and personal freedom.