Former President Jimmy Carter's funeral drew many of the major players in politics with one glaring omission. Michelle Obama was absent.
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She chose not to attend Carter's funeral on Thursday, January 9. Her absent was notably glaring given the fact that former first ladies generally attend the funerals of past presidents. In fact, Michelle Obama was the only one missing from the funeral.
Bill and Hillary Clinton were in attendance. So was George W. Bush and Laura Bush. President-Elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump were also in attendance. Then, you have President Joe Biden and Jill Biden as well. Even Michelle's husband, Former President Barack Obama, was there to pay his respects. He went stag to the event.
So where was Michelle?
"Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carter's National Funeral Service," her spokesperson Crystal Carson confirmed to People. "Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President."
Meanwhile, CNN reported that Michelle was "still in Hawaii on an extended holiday vacation." Her team reported that she had conflicting schedules.
Michelle Obama Draws Backlash
As you can imagine, Michelle Obama not attending opened the former first lady up to criticism. One just has to take a look at X, formerly Twitter, to see a litany of responses.
One wrote, "She was never one to do what is right. She likely believes Carter was a racist." Another wrote, "So she couldn't be bothered to leave Hawaii for a few hours to show respect to a former President. Just absolutely a slap in the face to the Carter family."
Others, of course, blamed Trump for her not attending. One wrote, "She found out the seating arrangement....her seat next to Trump."
Another wrote, "Michelle Obama didn't go the funeral of Jimmy Carter only because Donald Trump was going to be there. Yet somehow Republicans act like children."
Another commented, "President Obama is being human and not causing extra stress at a State Funeral. You notice Michelle Obama isn't in attendance. That says it all."
However, others called out awkwardness at the event itself.
One wrote, "Who noticed the awkwardness at former President Jimmy Carter's funeral? From George Bush's obvious disdain of Trump, to the treasonous Cabal's chilly cold stares at Kamala Harris. The side eyes are delicious, especially Milania's. Anyone know why Michelle Obama was absent?"
Others simply didn't care as one wrote, "Nobody cares. About Jimmy Carter, or Michelle Obama, but least of all, if Michelle Obama did or did not attend Carter's funeral, let alone the reason why."
