Michelle Obama Skips Jimmy Carter’s Funeral After Learning She Would Have Had to Sit Next to Trump
The Washington National Cathedral stood as a testament to American unity on Thursday as an extraordinary gathering of presidents and first ladies assembled to honor the legacy of Jimmy Carter. The former president died at the end of December at the age of 100.
Carter’s funeral took place yesterday. The solemn occasion marked a rare moment when the nation’s highest leaders, despite their political differences, came together in a display of bipartisan respect.
In the front pews of the historic cathedral, current and former presidents sat shoulder to shoulder, their presence embodying the continuity of American democracy. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were joined by former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, along with their spouses Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, and Melania Trump.
The gathering demonstrated how state funerals traditionally transcend political divisions, with former rivals setting aside their differences to honor a fallen leader. President-elect Trump and Barack Obama were even seen engaging in several minutes of cordial conversation before the service began.
would LOVE to know what trump is saying to obama to make him laugh at jimmy carter’s funeral pic.twitter.com/NwddDGNM5b
— lydo baby (@lydorito) January 9, 2025
It was in the fourth row, however, where a conspicuous absence drew attention. Former First Lady Michelle Obama did not attend the funeral. Her spokesperson later confirmed that she remained in Hawaii on what was described as an “extended vacation.”
Let that sink in – while others crossed the country to honor a president’s legacy, Hawaii’s beaches apparently beckoned.
Had Michelle attended, protocols would have seated her next to President-elect Trump, with whom the Obamas have had a notably tense relationship. Instead, it was Barack who ended up next to Trump rather than Michelle. The former first lady’s glaring absence served as a shameful example of personal choice over traditional duty.
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“Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President,” said Crystal Carson, Michelle Obama’s spokesperson.
While Carson claimed that a scheduling conflict was to blame for Michelle’s absence, many found this hard to believe. After all, the holidays have long been over, and Michelle had plenty of time to clear her calendar to prepare for the funeral in the wake of Carter’s December 29 death.
Instead, it seems more likely that the vehemently anti-Trump Michelle couldn’t stand the thought of spending hours sitting next to the president-elect. Avoiding Trump appears to have been more important to Michelle than honoring the life of Democrat President Carter.
So much for “when they go low, we go high,” Michelle. Indeed, it doesn’t get much lower than that.
Unlike Michelle, the former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush each managed to attend Carter’s funeral. They did this even though they’ve both had their fair share of political differences with the incoming administration. Melania Trump’s presence was particularly notable, as she joined her husband despite the intense political climate surrounding the upcoming transition of power.
State funerals have historically served as rare moments of national unity, when the exclusive club of those who have held the highest office gather to pay their respects. The tradition dates back generations, with former presidents typically prioritizing these solemn occasions above personal or political considerations.
Tradition Vs. Choice
“It’s about respect for the office and the continuity of our republic,” noted presidential historian Douglas Brinkley. “These moments transcend individual differences and remind us of our shared American heritage.”
The interaction between Trump and Barack drew particular attention, as the two men, who have often been at odds politically, were seen chatting amicably before the service. Funny how some can put aside differences for the sake of tradition, isn’t it? Michelle might want to take notice.
Trump later commented on the exchange during a Fox News interview.
“It did look very friendly, I must say. I didn’t realize how friendly it looked,” Trump said. “Boy, they look like two people that like each other.”
As the service concluded, the image of America’s leaders gathered in shared respect for their predecessor served as a powerful reminder of the institutions and traditions that have long united the nation. One has to wonder what Carter himself, known for putting duty above comfort, would think of Michelle skipping his funeral in a display of personal choice versus public duty.
Shame on you, Michelle Obama.
Sources: Politico, AOL, The Associated Press