Michelle Obama to Skip Trump's Inauguration; Former Presidents Confirm Attendance

Michelle Obama will miss the inauguration of Donald Trump, marking her absence from major gatherings of former U.S. leaders, while three former presidents will attend.

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This story was covered by 13 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

Politics

Mostly Reliable

The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.

Balanced

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has confirmed she will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, the first time she has missed such an event since 2009. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush are set to attend, along with their wives. Obama’s absence comes after she also missed former President Jimmy Carter's state funeral. While no reason was provided for her decision, Michelle Obama has publicly criticized Trump in the past, highlighting her feelings about his presidency and the lack of diversity during his inauguration in 2017.

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From the Left

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by left-leaning sources.

Michelle Obama skipping Trump's inauguration is a break from tradition, highlighting her strong opposition to Trump and his presidency.
Her absence at recent events reflects a deeper animosity towards Trump, particularly after he has threatened her family's safety with his rhetoric.
Despite previous efforts to bridge the gap, her continued absence suggests a refusal to accept Trump's place in the political landscape of America.

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From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

Michelle Obama's absence from Trump's inauguration raises questions about her intentions and reflects her longstanding criticism of Trump over the years.
The fact that other former leaders are attending underscores the norm that previous presidents and their spouses traditionally participate in such events, casting Michelle Obama in a negative light.
Reports suggest her absences may not have been politically motivated in nature, but rather procedural or personal, though many interpret her actions as a political statement.

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Highlights (13)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

Michelle Obama’s decision to skip the inauguration underscores an ongoing division in political sentiment and personal preference among former first families, highlighting the complexities of public service and personal relationships in the face of stark political contrasts.
Michelle Obama to skip Trump inauguration, 11 days after missing Carter funeral
FOX News
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
Michelle Obama's absence from significant events underlines a clear rejection of Donald Trump, reflecting not only her disapproval but also her deep concerns about the implications of his presidency.
Michelle Obama will not attend Trump inauguration
Salon
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Left
Michelle Obama's decision to skip Donald Trump's inauguration signifies a strong departure from traditional expectations, reflecting her deep-seated feelings towards the former president and the values he represents.
Michelle Obama to skip inauguration after absence at Jimmy Carter’s funeral
The Guardian
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
Michelle Obama's decision to skip Donald Trump's inauguration underscores her clear discomfort with the previous administration, reinforcing her stance on the importance of representation and diversity in American leadership.
Michelle Obama will not attend Trump's inauguration
NBC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The absence of Michelle Obama from both the inauguration and the funeral of Jimmy Carter speaks volumes about her discontent with the political climate and the current leadership.
Michelle Obama to Skip Trump Inauguration, Her Office Says
Epoch Times
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right
Michelle Obama's decision to skip the inauguration underscores a clear divide in the political landscape, illustrating her continued distance from the incoming administration.
Michelle Obama won't be attending Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, her office says
USA TODAY
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
Michelle Obama's decision to skip Trump's inauguration underscores her longstanding criticism of the president and reflects a continued distancing from his administration.
Michelle Obama will not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration after skipping Jimmy Carter’s funeral
New York Post
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
Michelle Obama's decision to skip Donald Trump's inauguration is not just a personal stance but a significant departure from the traditional participation of former first ladies, highlighting her ongoing disapproval of Trump and his presidency.
Michelle Obama to skip Trump inauguration | Politics
CNN
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
Michelle Obama's absence from Donald Trump's inauguration symbolizes a deeper discontent and an unwillingness to be part of a ceremony that starkly contrasts the values she embraces, reflecting a significant emotional toll from the past eight years.
Michelle Obama will not attend Trump's inauguration, her office says
CBS News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
Michelle Obama's absence from significant events, including Trump's inauguration and Carter's funeral, reflects her clear stance of distancing herself from the current political landscape, which sharply contrasts with her husband's engagement.
Michelle Obama Will Skip Trump Inauguration
TIME Magazine
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
Michelle Obama's absence from Trump's inauguration underscores her longstanding opposition to him; it reflects a clear divide among former leaders regarding the incoming president.
Presidents Obama, Clinton, Bush will be at Trump's inauguration; Michelle Obama won't
ABC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
Michelle Obama's absence at significant events, including Trump’s inauguration and Carter’s funeral, highlights her clear stance against the former president and reflects the ongoing political divisions that continue to shape her public life.
Michelle Obama will skip Trump inauguration, but ex-Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush will be there
Associated Press
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
Michelle Obama's absence from significant gatherings of former U.S. leaders, including the inauguration, underscores her clear disengagement from the current political climate.
Michelle Obama Skipping Trump Inauguration, but Ex-Presidents Will Be There
Newsmax
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right