Michelle Obama’s First Public Appearance Since Skipping Donald Trump’s Inauguration Sparks Weight Loss Buzz

Former First Lady Michelle Obama made headlines with her first public appearance in nearly two months. The 61-year-old stepped out in an elegant orange two-piece outfit at an event in Austin, Texas. With her hair styled in neat braids and minimal makeup, she kept her look simple yet sophisticated.

Her return to the public eye quickly sparked online discussions. Some social media users focused on her appearance, speculating about weight loss. “I think she lost weight. Maybe she took Ozampic [sic]. She looks like a skeleton,” one commenter noted. Another added, “Very thin.” Someone else wrote, “Ozempic doesn’t look good on her.”

Her appearance continued to stir debate online. “Why people wait to get pass 60 and lose so much weight?” one person asked. Another added bluntly, “Hit that Ozempic.” Despite the criticism, her supporters praised her grace and style. “She looks amazing,” one fan wrote. Others admired her confidence, shifting the conversation from speculation to appreciation.

At the event, Michelle Obama was joined by her brother, Craig Robinson. The siblings have teamed up for a new project—a podcast aiming to tackle life’s biggest challenges. Just days before her public appearance, Michelle announced the news on Instagram.

In her post, she acknowledged the complexities of today’s world, from work and family to aging parents and relationships. This inspired her and Craig to launch “The Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson Podcast” under the IMOPodcasts brand.

“Now, Craig is one of the people I turn to whenever I have anything on my mind,” she wrote. “He always has the insights, the wisdom, and the humor to get me through anything.”

The podcast promises engaging discussions featuring special guests, expert opinions, and plenty of lighthearted moments. Michelle emphasized that while they may not have all the answers, they hope to create meaningful conversations.

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts and questions, with the chance to have them discussed in future episodes. The project adds another chapter to Michelle’s evolving public role, shifting focus from politics to personal growth and connection.

We previously reported that former President Barack Obama was spotted at Clippers Game without Michelle, igniting a buzz. Barack attended the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Detroit Pistons game on March 5, 2025.

The 63-year-old politician was spotted courtside at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, seated between Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie Snyder.

At one point during the game, Barack was presented with a personalized Clippers jersey, drawing attention from spectators. As he chatted with Ballmer, cameras captured the moment, fueling online conversations about his solo outing without his wife of 32 years.

One person assumed on Facebook, “They’re definitely having problems. She wasn’t with him at the inauguration nor at the funeral…something is up.” “Maybe she doesn’t like sports..geez [sic],” another added.

Meanwhile, other people came to his wife’s defense, writing on X, “Michelle Obama’s mother died less than a year ago. The former first lady might still be grieving that loss.”

Sharing personal experiences, one person reflected, “[…] It took me some time to enjoy the simplest things afterward.” Another echoed the sentiment, adding, “Let her grieve!!”

One individual expressed empathy for Michelle, “As a woman who lost her mother recently, it is a hard process. Maybe Michelle just needs time to get herself together.” Observing the situation, another person remarked, “So he’s alone she loss [sic] her mom probably not at her best.”

Discussions about the attorney’s absence became more nuanced as people reflected on the personal loss she endured last year.

In June 2024, she shared the news of her mother’s passing on X, “My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today. We wanted to offer some reflections on her remarkable life.”

Michelle’s decision to stay out of the spotlight became more apparent in the weeks leading up to President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. Reports indicated that she would not be present for the ceremony, while Barack was set to attend alongside the country’s other former presidents.

Her office confirmed on January 14 that she had no plans to participate in the January 20 events, though no specific reason was given. In a brief statement, her team announced, “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”

Michelle’s absence was also evident at Jimmy Carter’s funeral just days earlier, where all former presidents and first ladies gathered to pay their respects.

Her absence raised speculation, as she had previously attended similar ceremonies. Addressing the matter, her spokesperson, Crystal Carson, issued a statement to People.

“Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Jimmy’s National Funeral Service. Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President,” the statement read.

Though the statement focused on honoring Jimmy’s legacy, additional reports shed light on Michelle’s location. The Chicago native reportedly had a scheduling conflict and was still in Hawaii on an extended holiday at the time of the service.

Michelle’s absence from the former 39th U.S. President’s funeral stood out, given the close ties she and Barack have shared with his family.

Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at 100, making him the longest-lived U.S. president. The Carter Center confirmed his peaceful passing at home in Plains, Georgia, highlighting his decades of service and humanitarian efforts, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, his family honored his legacy. “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” his son, Chip Carter, shared.

Condolences poured in nationwide, recognizing Jimmy’s lasting impact. On December 30, 2024, Barack and Michelle paid tribute in a heartfelt Medium post, reflecting on his influence. The couple’s tribute highlighted Jimmy’s lifelong commitment to faith and service, emphasizing his deep connection to his hometown church.

They described how, for years, visitors from around the world filled the pews of Maranatha Baptist Church on Sundays, where Jimmy stood before them, playfully asking if there were any newcomers before beginning his lesson — something he had done for most of his life.

Barack emphasized that Jimmy’s true legacy was his unwavering character. “Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned,” he wrote.

He reflected on their interactions, noting that the late politician did not merely speak about his values but lived by them, demonstrating grace, dignity, fairness, and a dedication to serving others.

The tribute concluded with condolences to the Carter family and those impacted by his life. They noted that while Maranatha Baptist Church would be quieter on Sundays, Jimmy’s memory would remain — resting beside his wife Rosalynn Carter under a willow tree, continuing to inspire others to embrace their better angels.

Jimmy’s funeral served as both a tribute to his legacy and a rare gathering of influential political figures. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack attended alongside President Donald Trump.

Former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden were also present, accompanied by former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Hillary Clinton joined her husband, Bill, while Laura Bush and Melania Trump attended with theirs.

One of the most heartfelt moments came when Jimmy’s grandson, Joshua Carter, spoke about his steadfast dedication to faith and service. “He taught the Bible every Sunday from World War II to Covid,” he said, noting that no matter his commitments, his grandfather always prioritized leading his Sunday school class at Maranatha Baptist Church.

Joshua continued his tribute by sharing stories that reflected Jimmy’s dedication to service. Before beginning his Sunday school lessons, he would often reflect on his week — whether it involved monitoring elections, mediating conflicts, or working to eradicate disease in struggling communities.

He also recounted a deeply personal memory, recalling how Jimmy once shared tragic news with his congregation, noting that his brother had passed away on a Sunday — the only time his grandfather had ever been late to teach.

His tribute emphasized Jimmy’s lifelong commitment to helping others, describing how he built homes for those in need, fought diseases in overlooked places, and pursued peace whenever possible.

He concluded by highlighting the faith that guided his grandfather’s actions, explaining that Jimmy shared these stories in Sunday school not for recognition but out of devotion to the “Prince of Peace.”

Jimmy’s funeral was a tribute to his life of service, faith, and integrity, drawing tributes from world leaders and loved ones. While Barack attended, Michelle’s absence drew attention, sparking further conversation about her time away from the public eye.