Barack Obama cuts a lonely figure at inauguration after slapping down Michelle divorce rumors

Former President Barack Obama arrived at Donald Trump’s inauguration without his wife by his side – amid rumors they may be divorcing.

The 44th president of the United States wore a black suit and striped tie, and he smiled and waved to reporters as he walked into the Capitol.

Obama did not attend the pre-inauguration prayer services at St. John’s Episcopal Church and will not attend Trump’s inaugural luncheon.

The former president was seen enjoying a meal at a Washington, DC hotspot this weekend without Michelle.

He seemed very happy as he attended a dinner at Osteria Mozza on Saturday evening with a small group of Washington insiders, including President Joe Biden’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients, sources said. Page six.

Former first lady Michelle Obama announced she would not attend Trump’s inauguration, sparking rumors the couple would split.

In recent weeks she has… skipped former President Jimmy Carter’s memorial service due to a reported ‘scheduling conflict’.

“She has always been very conscious about where and how she appears,” an insider told Page Six.

‘She reluctantly showed up for the election. They were united, but she doesn’t need to unite [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 wore a black suit and striped tie, smiling and waving at reporters as he walked into the Capitol

The 44th President of the United States wore a black suit and striped tie, smiling and waving at reporters as he walked into the Capitol

Still, Michelle’s absence has led to “nonstop talk about Michelle being fed up with the political circus and pretending everything is fine with Barack all the time,” an insider said.

“I’m told she was furious when she saw her husband arguing with Trump at Carter’s funeral,” the source added.

A source who worked with the couple also admitted, “They’re not pretending to be in a Camelot relationship. They’re not trying to show that they’re a magical couple.’

Some have even speculated that the couple is breaking up.

But Obama tried to quash those rumors by posting a powerful tribute to his wife, whom he described as the “love of his life.”

“Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama,” he wrote, alongside a photo of them holding hands as they enjoyed dinner.

‘You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor and grace – and you look good doing it. I am so happy to experience 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 at having to pause her career to become a mother while Barack’s continued to flourish.

Barack Obama tried to dispel rumors that the couple's relationship was on the rocks with a lavish tribute to his wife for her birthday

Barack Obama tried to dispel rumors that the couple’s relationship was on the rocks with a lavish tribute to his wife for her birthday

Tensions only increased during their time in the White House – thanks to the enormous “pressure” that came with “the need to do everything right and be ‘on’ at all times”, and thanks to Barack’s focus on his work instead of his family.

But even at their worst, Barack explained to The Breakfast Club that they never let their arguments get too ugly — and that they always “respected” each other.

And he made it clear that even if they argued, he never considered divorce.