Michelle Obama shared a poignant message ahead of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, opting to stay away from the official festivities. While her husband, former President Barack Obama, attended the event, Michelle chose to mark the day by posting a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. on Instagram just hours before Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States.
The timing of her message aligned with the public holiday celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., the iconic American civil rights leader. The 61-year-old former first lady shared the quote, “The time is always right to do what is right,” expressing her continued commitment to advocacy and civic engagement. Her post also highlighted support for the non-profit organization When We All Vote, a group she co-founded to promote voter participation.
“Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service always inspires me,” Obama wrote. “This #MLKDay, I hope you’ll join me and @WhenWeAllVote in honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy by getting involved in your community.”
“Whether you’re mentoring students at your local school or volunteering for a cause that matters to you, it all helps make a difference. Tell me how you’re giving back today in the comments,” she added.
Michelle Obama’s Instagram followers expressed their support for her decision to skip President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Many commended her choice to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day instead, resonating with her call to engage in community service.
“We are celebrating him [King Jr] today and not this nonsense in the capital,” one person commented.
“The only person we’re acknowledging today, “ another wrote. “Thank you for NOT attending any of the orange festivities,” someone else said, with an emoji of a clown face.
“We understand your absence,” another supporter told Obama. “The hypocrisy that it is okay to not accept the results of an election and treat you and your family with so much vitriol. Trump was abhorrent to you, he was abhorrent to Biden. Gets old trying to be the bigger person when you’re up against a man-child. We support you.”
“We love you even more for the decision you made on MLK day,” another added.