Michelle Obama was among the public figures who skipped President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday. Instead, it appears she chose to spend her time honoring a man whose dreams for an equal, just America are light-years away from the white, Christian nationalist vision of the 47th president and his allies: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whom she encouraged her Instagram followers to honor this MLK Day by taking action in their communities.
The former First Lady posted a graphic of the late civil-rights leader along with his quote, “The time is always right to do what is right.” Obama wrote in the caption: “Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service always inspires me. 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.”
It’s no secret that Obama can’t stand Trump, who spent years peddling racist conspiracy theories about her husband and directly insulted her while campaigning for reelection. Earlier this month, she reportedly opted to stay in Hawaii for an extended vacation and skipped former president Jimmy Carter’s recent funeral, where she would have been forced to sit down next to Trump. (Former president Barack Obama did attend both events by himself.)
“There’s no overstating her feelings about Trump,” a source close to the former First Lady told People. “She’s not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake.”
Seems like she’s standing on business. Good for her!