Michelle Obama on Saying “No” Without Guilt

Michelle Obama opened up about her decision not to attend Donald Trump’s second inauguration, saying she has “no regrets” and is learning to put her own well-being first.

Choosing Self-Care Over Public Pressure
On her podcast IMO, which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, Michelle told Taraji P. Henson that therapy has helped her become more comfortable with setting boundaries—even when misunderstood.

“People thought there was something wrong with my marriage,” she said, referring to reactions when she skipped public events like the inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. But, she added, “I was doing what was best for me.”

Avoiding Temptation to Conform
Michelle shared that she intentionally didn’t plan an outfit for the inauguration to resist the pressure of attending. By removing that step, she avoided making a last-minute decision based on public expectations rather than her own needs.

A Message to Women: Boundaries Matter
Taraji applauded her honesty, noting that women often carry emotional weight for others. Michelle agreed, saying she wants to show her daughters, Malia and Sasha, that it’s healthy to prioritize oneself. “Saying ‘no’ doesn’t make the world stop,” she emphasized. “It’s not selfish to set boundaries.”