BREAKING NEWS Michelle Obama reveals astonishing new reason why she skipped Trump's inauguration amid Barack divorce rumors

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has shared another reason she chose to skip President Donald Trumps inauguration as she fends off rumors of marital problems.

Barack infamously attended both Jimmy Carters funeral and Trumps inauguration, which took place just weeks apart in January, solo.

She recently said it was a choice she made for herself, but has now shed new light on the decision. 

It started with not having anything to wear, Michelle said in her latest podcast episode, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson.

I mean, cause Im always prepared for any funeral, anything, Obama added.

I walk around with the right dress, I travel with clothes just in case something pops off. 

So I was like, if Im not going to do this thing, I got to tell my team, I dont even want to have a dress ready, right? Because its so easy to just say, let me do the right thing.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has shared another reason she chose to skip President Donald Trump s inauguration as she fends off rumors of marital problems

Her decision not to attend Trumps inauguration historically would have been seen as a monumental snub given all former presidents and first ladies have attended inauguration - even for the president of the opposite party - unless they were suffering from health issues. But Trump himself blew up that modern precedent four years ago when he refused to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, President Joe Biden

The couple – who met as young lawyers working for the same Chicago firm in 1989 – celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in October and shared a photo of them hugging each other at a museum in New York 

Michelle said she was stunned that a decision she made for herself led to such intense speculation about her 30-year marriage.

My decision to skip the inauguration, what people dont realize, or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me were met with such ridicule and criticism, she said. 

People couldnt believe that I was saying no for any other reason, that they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart, you know? 

Her latest comments come amid a charm offensive to dispel rumors of marital problems.

The couple made a show of unity at the weekend when they were spotted on a romantic date night at one of their favorite Italian restaurants in Washington DC.

They were all smiles as they made their way through the busy Osteria Mozza in Georgetown on the weekend, stopping to wave at patrons as they swatted away rumors of marital woes.

Barack shook hands with a worker at the Italian eatery, where a main course ranges between $34 to $175.

And the former first lady addressed the speculation during a recent interview with   actress Sophia Bush for an episode of her podcast Work in Progress. 

The Obamas were met with cheers at the restaurant, which has become a favorite for the couple since it opened in 2024

Thats the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people, she said. 

So much so that this year people were, you know, they couldnt even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.

That this couldnt be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?

Her 61st birthday was three days before the inauguration. 

But at the time, reports swirled that Michelle couldnt stand the thought of fake niceties with Trump.

At Carters funeral, Barack was seen laughing and cozying up to Trump.

The duo shared a warm interaction ahead of the service, having a whispered conversation with one another in a moment which set the internet alight.

It did look very friendly, I must say, Trump later said.

Barack and Michelle Obama shared tributes and never before seen photos on Instagram on their 30th anniversary

Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration, the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama told the outlet

But according to a source who spoke to Page Six, Michelle wasnt interested in playing nice with Trump.

Shes never been fake and shes never been phony. Shes always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up, the source said.

She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesnt have to unify around [Trump]. She doesnt have to say anything. 

Her absence speaks volumes.

When she missed Carters funeral, it was immediately cleared up that she had a scheduling conflict which prevented her from attending. She was enjoying an extended holiday in Hawaii at the time.

Her decision not to attend Trumps inauguration historically would have been seen as a monumental snub given all former presidents and first ladies have attended inauguration - even for the president of the opposite party - unless they were suffering from health issues. 

But Trump himself blew up that modern precedent four years ago when he refused to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, President Joe Biden. 

First lady Melania Trump also skipped Bidens inauguration.