By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-20 16:01:42 | Updated at 2025-01-20 19:02:07
3 hours ago
Former President Barack Obama arrived at Donald Trump's inauguration without his wife by his side - amid rumors they may be getting a divorce.
The 44th President of the United States donned a black suit and striped tie, and he smiled and waved at reporters when he walked into the Capitol.
Obama was seen enjoying a meal at a Washington, DC hotspot over the weekend without Michelle.
He appeared very happy as he attended a dinner party at Osteria Mozza on Saturday night with a small group of Washington insiders, including President Joe Biden's Chief of Staff, Jeff Zients, sources told Page Six.
Former first lady Michelle Obama announced she would not be attending Trump's inauguration, sparking rumors the couple may be splitting up.
In recent weeks, she skipped out on former President Jimmy Carter's memorial service over a reported 'scheduling conflict.'
'She’s always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up,' an insider told Page Six.
'She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesn’t have to unify around [Trump]. Her absence speaks volumes.'
Former President Barack Obama arrived at Donald Trump's inauguration without his wife by his side
The 44th President of the United States donned a black suit and striped tie, and he smiled and waved at reporters as he walked into the Capitol
Still, Michelle's absences has fueled 'nonstop chatter that Michelle is fed up with the political circus and pretending everything is OK with Barack all the time,' one insider said.
'I'm told she was furious at seeing her husband yukking it up with Trump at the Carter funeral,' the source added.
A source who worked with the couple also admitted: 'They don’t pretend that they have this Camelot relationship. They’re not trying to present that they’re this magical couple.'
Some have even speculated that the couple may be splitting up.
But Obama tried to quell those rumors by posting a gushing tribute to his wife, who he described as the 'love of his life'.
'Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama,' he wrote, alongside a snap that showed them holding hands while enjoying dinner.
'You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace – and you look good doing it. I’m so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you.'
The couple have previously spoken candidly about their martial struggles, with Michelle previously describing the 'resentment' she had over having to put her career on hold to be a mother while Barack's continued to flourish.
Barack Obama tried to dispel rumors the couple's relationship was on the rocks with a gushing tribute to his wife for her birthday
Tensions only grew during their time in the White House - thanks to the immense 'pressure' that came with 'needing to get everything right and be "on" at every moment,' as well as Barack's focus on his work rather than his family.
But even at their worst, Barack explained to The Breakfast Club that they never let their arguments turn too ugly - and that they always 'respected' one another.
And he made it clear that even when they would fight, he never considered a divorce.
