Michelle Obama Blames Outfit Choice for Missing Trump Inauguration as Marital Rumors Persist
Michelle Obama is once again defending her decision to skip President Donald Trump’s inauguration, offering a new explanation that has raised more eyebrows than it’s calmed.
Rather than citing political differences, the former First Lady now claims she stayed away simply because she “had nothing to wear.”
The surprising reason surfaced on the latest episode of “IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,” where she described a mindset shift at the start of the year.
“It started with not having anything to wear,” she said, per the Daily Mail. “I walk around with the right dress, I travel with clothes just in case something pops off…”
“So I was like, if I’m not going to do this thing, I got to tell my team, I don’t even want to have a dress ready.”
Though Obama framed the move as an act of self-care and boundary-setting, critics have noted the larger implications of a former first lady boycotting a presidential inauguration.
Historically, former presidents and their spouses have attended the ceremonial swearing-in of their successors, even across party lines.
Michelle’s absence marked a break from that tradition — but not one without precedent. Trump himself refused to attend Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, with First Lady Melania Trump also declining to appear.
Still, the timing of Michelle’s absence and Barack Obama’s solo appearances at major events — including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter — have fueled speculation about the couple’s personal life.
As reports swirled online, Michelle addressed the controversy head-on, saying her decision was “met with such ridicule and criticism” and adding that people “couldn’t believe” she was simply making a choice for herself.
She elaborated on those comments in a separate interview with actress Sophia Bush, saying, “People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself — that they had to assume my husband and I are divorcing.”
The Obamas have recently made efforts to quiet rumors of marital strain, sharing public displays of affection on social media.
They posted a Valentine’s Day selfie, with Barack writing, “Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away.”
Michelle echoed the message, calling him her “rock” and adding, “Always have been. Always will be.”
The couple also appeared publicly at Osteria Mozza in Washington, D.C., where they waved to patrons and posed for photos during what was described as a romantic dinner date.
A main course at the high-end Italian restaurant ranges from $34 to $175. Barack was seen shaking hands with a staff member, reinforcing the message that all was well at home.
Despite the reassurances, some observers remain skeptical, the Daily Mail notes. Michelle’s refusal to attend Carter’s funeral was chalked up to a “scheduling conflict,” but she was reportedly enjoying a prolonged vacation in Hawaii at the time.
Meanwhile, Barack was seen in a surprisingly friendly exchange with Trump at the service — a moment that sparked viral reactions online.
A source cited by Page Six offered a blunt take: “She’s never been fake and she’s never been phony.” She doesn’t have to unify around [Trump]. She doesn’t have to say anything. Her absence speaks volumes.”
Conservative critics also took issue with Michelle’s rationale. Musician Kid Rock, a frequent guest on Fox News, recalled attending Obama’s inauguration despite not supporting him politically.
“Out of respect to the presidency, I went. I would kindly remind Miss Michelle about that,” he said.
The former first lady’s messaging appears aimed at younger women, encouraging them to practice “the art of saying no.”
She likened it to a muscle she’s “just now starting to build,” adding, “After all that I’ve done in this world… if I still have to show people that I love my country… all I’m doing is keeping that crazy bar that our mothers and grandmothers set for us.”