All living former first ladies attended former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on Thursday, except Michelle Obama.
Former first lady Michelle Obama did not attend because she reportedly had “scheduling conflicts,” journalist Jeff Zeleny told CNN.
“She’s still in Hawaii,” Zeleny said, underscoring the lack of an open seat next to her husband.
“Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President,” her spokesperson told reporters.
WATCH — Donald Trump and Barack Obama Seen Chatting It Up at Jimmy Carter’s Funeral:
Because of Michelle Obama’s absence, former President Barack Obama sat in between President-elect Trump and former first lady Laura Bush.
The former presidents and first ladies were seated in the second row of the Washington National Cathedral.
Video footage showed Barack Obama and Trump smiling and laughing before the funeral began, perhaps images that would not have been captured if Michelle Obama attended.
Caption this pic.twitter.com/1ULJTQmUy5
— Shawn Pasternak (@ShawnCP92) January 9, 2025
Obama chuckles as Trump whispers in his ear.
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) January 9, 2025
WOW. pic.twitter.com/863yRnqta1
JIMMY CARTER: 1924-2024
— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) January 9, 2025
The lineup of Presidents at Jimmy Carter's funeral shows a moment when President Trump and Former President Barack Obama were engaged in what appeared to be a friendly. cordial conversation.@RealDrGina @DBrodyReports @TBatesNews pic.twitter.com/x72E9DVVBU
Wendell Husebo is a political reporter with Breitbart News and a former RNC War Room Analyst. He is the author of Politics of Slave Morality. Follow Wendell on “X” @WendellHusebø or on Truth Social @WendellHusebo.