The co-hosts of Fox News’s “Outnumbered” program engaged in a discussion regarding the recent announcements made by Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and former First Lady Michelle Obama, both of whom declared their absence from President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration scheduled for Monday. They provided various interpretations of the reasons behind the decisions of these two prominent figures.
Kayleigh McEnany, a co-host and former press secretary during Trump’s initial term, initiated the conversation by stating, “When considering those who have chosen not to attend, Nancy Pelosi is among them, and we are uncertain of the reasons… Similarly, Michelle Obama will not be present, and again, the precise rationale remains unclear.”
She further questioned, “In reflecting on their choice to abstain, does it come across as tone-deaf? Have they overlooked the 77 million Americans who expressed their support by saying, ‘this is our candidate’?”
Kaylee McGee White, editor of the Independent Women’s Forum, contributed to the discussion by noting, “It is essential to remember that Trump and Melania did not attend Biden’s inauguration. Therefore, it is not obligatory for political figures to participate in the inaugurations of their opponents. However, they cannot cite the weather as a justification this time.”
White continued, expressing her hope that the Trump transition team would strive to ensure a significant presence in the rotunda during the swearing-in ceremony. “Many individuals were eager to attend, and I plan to bring my father along. He was the first person I heard in 2016 who confidently stated, ‘Donald Trump is going to win the White House’ as soon as Trump descended the escalator. He is genuinely looking forward to this occasion,” she elaborated.
She concluded by emphasizing, “This moment is not solely about Donald Trump; it is also a significant moment for his supporters, who will witness his return to the White House and the implementation of his agenda. It is a day filled with hope that many are eagerly anticipating.”
The former Speaker of the House declined an invitation to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump last week, as reported by ABC News. Her office did not provide a specific reason for her absence; however, it is noted that the 84-year-old sustained a broken hip due to a fall in Germany the previous month.
In contrast, while his wife will not be present, former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the swearing-in ceremony. A statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama indicated, “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”
Additionally, a spokesperson for former President George W. Bush confirmed that he and former First Lady Laura Bush plan to be present at the Capitol for the events. It is also noted that Michelle Obama did not attend the funeral services for Jimmy Carter last week, where all living former presidents gathered, although the other living first ladies were in attendance, as reported by CBS News.
Since 2008, Michelle Obama has attended every inauguration, including Trump’s first in 2017, during which she and her husband were leaving the White House. Reflecting on her experience at Trump’s inauguration in 2023, she remarked, “To sit on that stage and watch the opposite of what we represented on display, there was no diversity, there was no color on that stage. There was no reflection of the broader sense of America. Many people took pictures of me and they’re like, you weren’t in a good mood. No, I was not.”
