On the April 23 episode of her podcast IMO With Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, the former first lady got real with guest Taraji P. Henson, dishing on her choice to ditch the Capitol ceremony. Her decision sparked wild rumors—divorce gossip, anyone?—but Michelle’s setting the record straight with a fierce, heartfelt vibe. Let’s dive into this juicy moment and unpack what went down.
Michelle didn’t mince words, saying she skipped the inauguration because it was “the choice that was right for me.” No drama, no scandal—just a woman owning her truth. “People couldn’t believe I was saying no for any other reason,” she told her brother Craig, laughing off headlines claiming her marriage to Barack Obama was crumbling. “It took everything in my power to not do the thing that was perceived as right,” she added, revealing how she had to “trick” herself by not even picking out a dress. “I told my team, I don’t even want to have a dress ready,” she said, because slipping into the “do the right thing” role was just too easy. Talk about a power move
The shade didn’t stop there. Michelle’s absence wasn’t just about Trump’s swearing-in—she also skipped Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9, where she would’ve been seated next to Trump. X went wild, with users like @PopBase quoting her saying, “I think I’ve done enough of that,” about always “going high.” Others, like @OliLondonTV, noted the backlash, with critics like Kevin O’Leary on Fox News calling her move “wrong” for breaking a century-old tradition. But Michelle clapped back, explaining she’s building the “muscle” to say no, a lesson she wants her daughters, Malia and Sasha, to learn. “I’m done keeping that crazy bar our mothers set for us,” she declared, and you could feel the fire in her voice.
Why does this hit so hard? Michelle’s been open about her disdain for Trump, from his birther lies to her tearful exit at his 2017 inauguration. A source told People she sees him as a “threat to American democracy” and wasn’t about to fake a smile. Her therapy journey, she shared, helped her realize, “Maybe, finally, I’m good enough,” fueling her to prioritize self-care over protocol. X users like @mmpadellan cheered her on, tying her snub to Trump’s own 2021 inauguration no-show.
So, what’s the vibe? Michelle’s choice is a bold middle finger to expectations, a reminder to live for yourself, not the headlines. With Barack attending solo, alongside the Clintons and Bushes, her absence screamed louder than words. Is she done “going high,” or just redefining it? Drop your thoughts—what do you make of Michelle’s stand?
