We’ve reached the end of another long week. But before we clock out for the weekend, we’re giving props where they’re due. Here’s to our Winners of the Week.
Michelle Obama built the wall. Between herself and President-elect Donald Trump, that is. She hasn’t confirmed (or denied) the speculation that she is avoiding events where a potential run-in with Trump is possible, but after missing former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral and announcing through her and former President Barack Obama’s joint office that she would not be attending Trump’s second inauguration, it certainly seems like the former first lady is simply unwilling to be in the same space as the convicted felon.
If that’s the case, good for her.
When Trump first took office in 2017, Michelle attended his inauguration alongside her husband as the outgoing first lady and president. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who had just lost the election to Trump, attended as well. Both women fulfilled their expected roles with quiet stoicism. Clinton has since gone on to work in academia, drawing on her decades of experience as a public servant.
But Michelle never ran for office, and she was never appointed to a position. During her husband’s years in office, she had a role in public life as his spouse…but he’s been out of the White House for eight years. And it seems like she’s ready to move on from that role.
“She’s not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake,” an “insider” told People of her decision not to attend. “She served in the public eye and did all the public good that she could for eight years as first lady. You’ll see her when she has a project or cause to promote, but she doesn’t feel the need to be a public figure anymore.”
