Michelle Obama Shares a Message of Hope for America on Inauguration Day

Just before her jaw-dropping arrival at the inauguration of President Joe Biden, Michelle Obama marked the end of an era of “chaos and division” by sharing a message of hope for America’s future.

On January 20, the former first lady shared an image from her husband Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013, in which she and her husband are accompanied by their daughters Malia and Sasha Obama. “Today is the day. After a disturbing era of chaos and division, we are entering the next chapter of American leadership with the inauguration of @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris,” she wrote. “Right now, I’m feeling more than just relief at putting the past four years behind us. I’m feeling genuinely hopeful for what’s to come.”

Without mentioning Donald Trump, Obama shared her excitement over the new administration. “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the kind of leaders our nation deserves—decent, hardworking people who reflect the best of our values. Most of all, they’re guided by empathy, honesty, and a willingness to put the needs of our country before their own,” she continued. “They’re determined to make life better for all Americans, and I know they will bring us back the stability that has been sorely lacking through what has been a devastating pandemic. Not to mention, we’ll have terrific examples of leadership in Dr. Biden and Douglas Emhoff, as our new First Lady and Second Gentleman.”

Of course, having stood by her husband’ as well as Joe Biden’s side throughout their terms as president and V.P., she knows better than anyone what is at stake—and what is possible. “It’s no secret that the work ahead will be challenging. And no one person, even a president, is capable of waving a magic wand and fixing the problems that persist in this country,” she wrote.

Michelle Obama concluded her post with a message of hope. “But this past year I’ve seen folks from all over America step up like never before, whether it was peacefully protesting against racial injustice, registering first-time voters, or simply making sure a neighbor could safely get their groceries. It feels like we might finally be getting some momentum,” she wrote. “And with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the White House, we can once again start thinking about building the future we want for ourselves and our children.”