Former President Barack Obama arrived at the U.S. Capitol for President Trump's inauguration ceremony on Monday, but without his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama. Introduced at the ceremony, Obama entered the Capitol building alone for the swearing-in, which was held indoors due to cold weather.

Other former presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, were present with their spouses, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, respectively. The Obamas had announced last week that the former president would attend the inauguration, but the former first lady would not, offering no specific reason for her absence. This was not the first time Michelle Obama skipped a significant event; she was also absent from former President Jimmy Carter's funeral earlier in the month.

Former President Barack Obama arrives for the 60th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP)

At Carter's funeral, a notable interaction occurred between Obama and Trump. Despite their past political differences, the two were observed conversing amicably. In contrast to this year, all three former presidents and their wives, including Hillary Clinton following her 2016 election loss to Trump, attended Trump's first inauguration in 2017. Former President Carter was also present at that time.

Former first lady Michelle Obama was also absent from former President Jimmy Carter's funeral. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images, File)

Former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, and former President Barack Obama attend the inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP)

Former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, and former President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP)

Breaking with tradition, Trump and former first lady Melania Trump did not attend President Biden's inauguration in 2021.