Michelle Obama is finally opening up about her decision to skip President Donald Trump’s second inauguration — and she stands firm, saying she has absolutely no regrets.
In a heartfelt chat with actress Taraji P. Henson on the podcast IMO, which she co-hosts alongside her brother Craig Robinson, the former First Lady revealed that she’s learning to prioritize her own well-being, even when others don’t fully understand her choices.
At 60, Michelle credits therapy with helping her become more comfortable saying “no,” even when it draws criticism. “When I decided not to attend the inauguration—or made other choices earlier this year that felt right for me—people immediately jumped to the worst conclusions,” she revealed. “They couldn’t accept that I was simply doing what was best for myself. Instead, they rushed to assume my marriage was falling apart.”
Speculation ran wild online earlier this year after Michelle was absent not only from Trump’s inauguration but also from former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Despite all the buzz, she emphasizes that these were deeply personal and difficult decisions.
“It took everything in me to resist doing what was expected and instead focus on what was necessary for myself,” Michelle confessed. She even took deliberate steps to avoid second-guessing her decision, explaining, “I made sure not to have an outfit ready—because I know myself. If the outfit’s hanging in the closet, it’s too easy to slip back into the role others expect of me.”
Taraji P. Henson applauded Michelle’s candidness, noting how often women become “shock absorbers” for everyone else’s needs. “Women are expected to carry the emotional weight for their families, their communities, and their public image,” Henson observed. “It’s exhausting—and completely unfair.”
Michelle echoed the sentiment, sharing that she’s still mastering the art of putting herself first—not just for her own well-being, but to set a powerful example for her daughters, Malia and Sasha. “If, after everything I’ve accomplished, I’m still caught trying to prove myself to the world, what message does that send to the next generation?” she reflected.
She emphasized that setting healthy boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential. “I want my daughters to learn to say ‘no’ earlier than I did, so that muscle grows strong,” Michelle explained.
“And you know what?” Michelle added with a smile. “The world keeps spinning even when you say no. It doesn’t crumble just because you choose to put yourself first for once.”
With these powerful words, Michelle Obama sends a clear message: women owe no one an explanation for their choices — and sometimes, putting yourself first is the strongest statement you can make.