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By Lilith Foster-Collins and Michael D. Carroll
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Former first lady Michelle Obama will skip the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, and no reason has yet been provided for her absence.
Why It Matters
This is the second time in two weeks that she will not attend a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses.
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What To Know
Michelle Obama also did not attend last week's state funeral Washington National Cathedral for former President Jimmy Carter.
She was the only spouse absent from the service and reportedly had a scheduling conflict.
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Who Attended Carter's Funeral?
At the funeral, her husband and Trump were seated next to each other and chatted and laughed together despite the history of political animosity between them.
Former presidents Trump, Bush, and Clinton and their spouses attended.
Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush will all attend the inauguration.
Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join their husbands for the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, representatives said.
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Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony, a person familiar with the former president's schedule confirmed.
Hillary Clinton will also attend, a spokesperson said.
The Office of George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush are attending.
How the Inauguration Will Play Out
Trump will recite the presidential oath of office with Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., at noon ET.
Vice President-elect JD Vance will be sworn in first.
Flags will be lowered to half-staff during Trump's inauguration.
Biden ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from last Sunday in honor of Carter. That means flags will remain lowered when Trump is sworn in.
Trump is holding "a victory rally you'll never forget" for 20,000 supporters the day before his inauguration in Washington, D.C.
The "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" will start at 3 p.m. at Capital One Arena on Sunday, Jan. 19.
All three former presidents and their wives attended Trump's first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after she lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Carter also attended.
What People Are Saying
The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama said in a statement: "Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration."
A spokeswoman for the Obamas said regarding Carter's funeral: "Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former president," the spokeswoman said.
What Happens Next
The inauguration will take place on Jan. 20.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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