Michelle Obama Says She Skipped Trump’s Inauguration for Her Well-Being
Former first lady Michelle Obama recently discussed her decision to skip President Donald Trump’s inauguration, framing it as a choice she made for her own personal well-being.
In a conversation on Taraji P. Henson’s podcast, IMO, Obama explained that she has been working on saying “no” more often, a skill she admits she struggles with.
With therapy, she has learned to prioritize her own needs, a concept she feels is important for mental health.
Obama faced harsh criticism after she skipped the inauguration, with many speculating about her marriage and spreading rumors.
Some assumed her absence was a sign of marital problems, a point she was quick to dismiss.
This kind of reaction highlights how quick people are to judge and spread gossip when a public figure doesn’t conform to expected behaviors.
Skipping the inauguration was not an easy decision for Obama, according to CBS News.
She admitted she had to resist the pressure to act in a way that would be seen as “right” by others, even if it wasn’t the right choice for her.
She even confessed to tricking herself into making the decision, starting with something as small as not preparing a dress for the event.
She said, “If I’m not going to do this thing, I gotta tell my team, I don’t even want to have a dress ready.”
While Obama’s remarks might resonate with some, others may see this as an example of someone who places personal comfort over duty or public responsibility.
The focus on her own feelings and desires rather than the broader implications of her actions can come across as self-centered, especially in a time when leadership and unity are often expected from public figures.
Taraji P. Henson, in her discussion with Obama, praised the idea of women setting boundaries and said that women often act as “shock absorbers” for others—taking on the weight of everyone else’s needs without considering their own.
While this might sound empowering to some, conservatives might see this as yet another excuse for people to focus inward and abandon their obligations to the country, family, or community.
Obama did express that she is still working on putting herself first, but the emphasis on personal satisfaction and comfort over public expectations doesn’t seem to resonate with conservative values of duty, sacrifice, and service.
For many, actions like skipping the inauguration may be seen as a failure to show the respect and support expected of a former first lady, especially in such a polarized political environment.
She also said that she hopes to teach her daughters, Malia and Sasha, to say “no” and prioritize their own needs.
While that may seem like a valuable lesson, it also raises questions about how much she is willing to sacrifice for the greater good or the example she sets for her children.
Obama’s focus on “no” as a powerful word might be empowering for some, but conservatives may view this as a dangerous shift away from selflessness.
Setting boundaries is important, but so is understanding when to put the needs of others before your own.
In a time where political leaders are expected to work for the greater good, Obama’s message about self-prioritization can be seen as a failure to lead by example.
The idea that “people can handle ‘no’” might not sit well in a world where leadership often requires the opposite—saying “yes” to hard choices and obligations even when they’re uncomfortable.