Former First Lady Michelle Obama took aim at the 45th president during an event at the White House.
On Monday, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama returned to the White House to unveil their portraits.
“I do recognize why moments like these are important. Why all of this is absolutely necessary. Traditions like this matter, not just for those of us who hold these positions but for everyone participating in and watching our democracy,” the former first lady said.
She continued, “The people make their voices heard with their vote. We hold an inauguration to ensure a peaceful transition of power. Those of us lucky enough to serve work, as Barack said, as hard as we can for as long as we can — as long as the people choose to keep us here.”
“And once our time is up, we move on. And all that remains in this hallowed place are our good efforts,” she added.
Watch the video below:
The video of Michelle Obama:
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 7, 2022
"We hold an inauguration to ensure a peaceful transition of power. Those of us lucky enough to serve work, as Barack said, as hard as we can, for as long as we can — as long as the people choose to keep us here — and once our time is up, we move on." pic.twitter.com/2fns1hx3NG
Her comments appeared to be a reference to former President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that the 2020 election was stolen, and the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump did not attend President Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2021.
Biden said during Wednesday’s event, “Jill and I have been waiting to host events at the White House for a long time coming out of the pandemic, and it’s fitting that we can do that now by unveiling the portraits of two great friends, two great Americans
Speaking at the event, Barack Obama said, “Joe, it is now America’s good fortune to have you as president.”
“You have guided us through some perilous times. You’ve built on and gone beyond the work we all did together,” he added.
He also insisted, “The country is better off than when Joe Biden took office, and we should all be deeply grateful for that.”
Obama: "Joe, it is now America's good fortune to have you as president."
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 7, 2022
*long standing ovation* pic.twitter.com/dYTRVMhaKa
Obama: "The country is better off than when Joe Biden took office and we should all be deeply grateful for that." pic.twitter.com/I9eftd2L43
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 7, 2022
NPR notes that the event on Wednesday was the first time in over a decade that a former president was invited back to the White House to unveil their portrait.
Trump did not hold a portrait ceremony for Barack Obama while he was in office.