Michelle Obama discusses skipping Trump's inauguration, prioritizes personal needs

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has publicly addressed her decision to skip Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration, stating that it was a personal choice made to prioritize her own well-being rather than conform to public expectations. On her podcast, she explained that after years of putting her family's needs first, she chose to say 'no' and protect her peace, emphasizing that women often feel pressured to attend events out of obligation. Obama noted that her absence sparked unfounded rumors about her marriage, which she dismissed, clarifying that her decision was simply about doing what felt right for her. She described the difficulty in breaking from the perceived 'right thing' and revealed she intentionally did not prepare an outfit for the event to avoid last-minute pressure. Commentators and fellow public figures have defended her autonomy, highlighting the double standards women, particularly public figures, face when choosing to opt out of high-profile events. Obama shared that she is now encouraging her daughters to develop the ability to set boundaries and prioritize their own needs.