Break with tradition
Michelle Obama won’t be attending Trump’s inauguration
Since Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, the tradition of putting political differences aside on such occasions has been wavering. Now Michelle Obama is causing a stir with her rejection.
Michelle Obama will not attend the inauguration ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump in the capital Washington. The US media reported this unanimously, citing a statement from the former first lady’s office. No reasons were given for their decision.
Last week, Michelle Obama had already decided not to attend the state funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter and instead stayed in Hawaii – the Obamas own a property there. Her husband, former President Barack Obama, was present, sitting right next to Trump at the ceremony and chatting with him.
Personal criticism of Trump
Michelle Obama has been critical of the Republican in the past, accusing him of endangering her family’s safety through his rhetoric. Her decision to stay away from Trump’s inauguration breaks with the tradition that former presidents and their spouses typically attend the ceremony, regardless of party affiliation. According to CNN reports, former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura as well as Bill and Hillary Clinton will attend the event.
But Trump himself also did not adhere to customs at Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021: neither he nor his wife Melania appeared at the ceremony. Just a few weeks earlier, his supporters had violently stormed the Capitol to prevent the official confirmation of Biden’s election victory – Trump had fueled them with unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
