Michelle Obama Explains Her Infamous Side-Eye Meme At Trump’s Inauguration

michelle obama

by Rebecca Cope |
Published on

Michelle Obama gave ample meme-opportunities at the inauguration of President Donald Trump. First, there was the reaction to Melania's Tiffany gift, then, the former First Lady propping up the new First Lady as they both followed Trump, but there was also our favourite: Michelle's side-eye.

Side-eye, for the uninitiated, is defined as: 'a sidelong glance expressing disapproval or contempt'. The side-eye in question, captured during Trump's controversial inauguration, features Michelle looking seemingly at the camera (The Office-style, in fact), while he is succeeding her husband in office.

Of course, it was always going to capture the imagination of the meme-sphere, who promptly delivered:

michelle obama meme

However, the former First Lady has now spoken out to clarify her feelings on the day, shooting down any accusations of side-eye.

'I didn't want to have tears in my eyes because people would swear I was crying because of the new president,' she told the audience at a convention for the American Institute of Architects in Orlando.

She also used the opportunity to address rumours (read: the desperate wishes of the public) that she might one day run for President.

'I wouldn't ask my children to do this again because, when you run for higher office, it's not just you, it's your whole family... Plus, there's so much more we can do outside of the office, because we won't have the burden of political baggage.'

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