Trump will today (20 January) be inaugurated as the US President for the second time, eight years on from the start of his first term.
The 78-year-old Republican will succeed Democrat President Joe Biden, assuming office for four years from today.
Trump has been elected in as President for the second time (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
However, while watching the arrivals of many celebrities and figures from the nation’s history, everyone made the same observation.
Many noticed that Michelle Obama was not present when her husband arrived at the inauguration.
Quickly taking to X, many wondered where she was, as one user said: “Where is Michelle Obama?”
Another added: “Dear Obama, where is Michelle?” while a third posted: “Where has Michelle Obama been”
And a fourth suggested: “Michelle Obama has been MIA for a while.”
The last comment comes after the fact that Barack Obama’s wife was also absent from former US President Jimmy Carter’s funeral earlier this month.
An official statement from the Obama’s office read: “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”
It is a rare break in the traditional protocol, as former Presidents and their spouses usually attend presidential inaugurations, regardless of the party of the President-elect.
With that being said, Trump and his wife Melania were not present at Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2020, weeks after the 6 January riot on the Capitol.
According to AP, there shouldn’t be any other noteworthy absences, as Laura Bush and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton – both former First Ladies – will be present at the inauguration, along with their respective husbands.
The reason behind Michelle Obama’s absence is still unknown (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
When Trump was elected as President for the first time, Michelle Obama did follow transitional tradition, hosting First Lady to-be Melania Trump at the White House for tea before the ceremony.
While many await the arrival of the rest of the high-profile guests expected at the inauguration, Trump has already got to work as President, doing millions across the country a favour.
He has also outlined his main goals as President, with the nation set to crack down on immigration, focus on education, and even buy Greenland, among other promises.
