Michelle Obama, who would have sat by Donald Trump, misses Carter funeral

Former first lady Michelle Obama was noticeably absent from former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday. She had a scheduling conflict and is in Hawaii, according to a person familiar with her schedule.

Michelle Obama would have been seated next to former President Donald Trump, who instead sat next to former President Barack Obama. The two chatted for several minutes before the funeral began.

“Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President,” said Crystal Carson, a spokesperson for Michelle Obama.

The five living presidents — Obama, Trump, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and President Joe Biden — were together at Carter’s funeral on Thursday in a rare joint appearance. Besides Obama, they were all joined by their spouses, including former first lady Melania Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former first lady Laura Bush and first lady Jill Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, as well as former Vice President Mike Pence and former second lady Karen Pence, were also in attendance.