{UAH} MICHELLE OBAMA DOESN'T ATTEND STATE FUNERAL OF JIMMY CARTER

Michelle Obama doesn't attend state funeral for Jimmy Carter

Story by Jonathan J. Cooper

Former President Barack Obama talks with President-elect Donald Trump as Melania Trump reads the funeral program before the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)© The Associated Press

Former first lady Michelle Obama did not attend the state funeral Thursday for former President Jimmy Carter.

Except for Michelle Obama, all of the living former presidents and their spouses were at the funeral, including Barack Obama, sitting in the front pews of Washington National Cathedral behind only President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and their spouses.

Barack Obama exchange pleasantries at Jimmy Carter's funeral, watch!:15

 

Barack Obama, a Democrat, appeared to speak cordially to his Republican successor, Donald Trump. So did former Democratic President Bill Clinton and his Republican successor, George W. Bush. Trump shook hands with his own former vice president, Mike Pence, who was a loyal ally until he refused to go along with Trump's efforts to remain president after losing the 2020 election to Biden, a Democrat.

Former President Barack Obama talks with President-elect Donald Trump as Melania Trump listens and as Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff arrive, before the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)© The Associated Press

The dignitaries will gather again in Washington on Jan. 20 when Trump is sworn in for his second term in the White House. Michelle Obama's spokesperson did not immediately say whether the former first lady would attend the inauguration.

Jonathan J. Cooper, The Associated Press