Update: January 20, 2017: In their first official tweets as civilians, Barack and Michelle Obama make it clear that they'll continue to be in the public eye, working on initiatives that matter to them. First though, they'll be taking a well-earned vacation.
After an extraordinary 8 years, I'll be taking a little break. Will be back before you know it to work with you on the issues we care about. pic.twitter.com/o0ECJitXnw
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) January 20, 2017
Barack Obama playfully questioned if his account was "still on."
Hi everybody! Back to the original handle. Is this thing still on? Michelle and I are off on a quick vacation, then we’ll get back to work.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 20, 2017
And his two following tweets announced the creation of the Obama Foundation, which, according to the Foundation's website, "will focus on developing the next generation of citizens — and what it means to be a good citizen in the 21st century."
In the meantime, I want to hear what you're thinking about the road ahead. So share your ideas with me here: https://t.co/GYkEOK8EuT
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 20, 2017
Add your voice: https://t.co/mA9MSHmi7o pic.twitter.com/Uf7oEvkZF3
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) January 20, 2017
And yes, for anyone who's wondering, there will be a chance to apply for a job at the Obama Foundation in coming months.
This piece was originally published at 11:20 a.m. on January 20, 2017.
Go to @POTUS and @FLOTUS after today, and the content of those Twitter accounts is likely to be very different from what we've seen there since the accounts were created. After his swearing in at noon, Donald Trump will take over @POTUS, Melania Trump will tweet from @FLOTUS, and Michelle and Barack Obama will tweet from the accounts that have been run by the Organizing for Action staff over the past two terms, @MichelleObama and @BarackObama.
But before the official transition occurs, the current president and first lady sent two final, moving tweets. If you aren't already feeling emotional, these should do it.
Barack Obama offered inspiring words that reflect the same faith he has placed in the people of the United States since his first campaign for president. His message reminds us of the iconic, original "Hope" posters that remain so memorable.
I'm still asking you to believe - not in my ability to bring about change, but in yours. I believe in change because I believe in you.
— President Obama (@POTUS) January 20, 2017
Michelle Obama's tweet was a simple message of gratitude, that exemplifies the grace, dignity, and compassion that she has embodied over the past eight years.
Being your First Lady has been the honor of a lifetime. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. -mo pic.twitter.com/pahEydkZ5Z
— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) January 19, 2017
The other day, she also posted a brief video of her final walk through the White House, or, as she and Barack Obama have called it, "The People's House," accompanied by the family's dogs, Sunny and Bo.
Taking it in on one last walk through the People's House. pic.twitter.com/uaAn6j8Ygy
— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) January 18, 2017
As you look at these tweets, allow yourself to take a moment for reflection. Then, take Barack Obama's words to heart and interpret his call for belief — and action — as you will.
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