Michelle Obama has finally explained why she chose not to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration back in January, causing quite a stir at the time. Many noticed her absence, especially since she was also expected to sit next to Trump at Jimmy Carter’s funeral, but didn’t show up. These back-to-back absences led to a lot of speculation, from political tension to rumors about problems in her marriage with former President Barack Obama,
In a recent episode of her new podcast, where she also features actress Taraji P. Henson, Michelle addressed the rumors directly. She shared that her decision had nothing to do with scandal, resentment, or drama — it was about self-care. “I’m at this stage in life where I have to define my life on my terms,” she said, adding that therapy helped her realize the importance of setting boundaries, even when it invites criticism.
Michelle also spoke about how difficult it was to say no when everyone expected her to do what seemed “right” to the public. She emphasized that she’s trying to teach her daughters, Sasha and Malia, the same lesson — the importance of saying no, choosing themselves, and knowing they are enough. In her words, building the strength to prioritize yourself is like building a muscle: it takes practice, but it’s necessary for a healthy, authentic life.