Since stepping away from public office life, Michelle Obama has found herself at the center of speculation—most notably, rumors suggesting arift with former President Barack Obama. The former first lady addressed these claims directly during an April 8 episode of Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast, framing the gossip as a byproduct of her decision to prioritize personal independence.
“For the first time in my life, all of my choices are for me,” Michelle told Bush, emphasizing how her role as a mother and first lady once dictated her every move. “I can’t blame my decisions and indecisions on anyone other than me,” she said, reflecting on how her new autonomy has caused outsiders to draw inaccurate conclusions.
The rumors intensified earlier this year when Michelle skipped several major public events, including Donald Trump’s inauguration and President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Barack Obama attended alone, prompting online chatter about the couple’s relationship. In reality, Michelle was on a personal retreat in Hawaii. “I looked at my calendar, and I chose what was best for me,” she explained.
Observers failed to grasp that her absence was not an act of defiance but a deliberate choice rooted in self-care. “It was an important test for me just as a woman, as an independent person,” she said. “Because, like all women, I operate from guilt.”
Michelle’s remarks reflect a broader issue faced by women in the public eye—how society reacts when they take control of their time. “People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself,” she noted. “They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.” Her tone was both bemused and firm, challenging stereotypes about women’s autonomy.
Barack Obama also weighed in during a recent talk at Hamilton College, joking, “I’m in a deep deficit with my wife” after two demanding terms in office. “So I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,” he said with a smile.
Now, with daughters Malia and Sasha grown, the Obamas are navigating a new chapter. Michelle says she’s enjoying freedom, travel, and simple pleasures—like watching TV with Barack, even if they spar over genres. “He likes death and darkness,” she joked. “I need light.”
In asserting her independence, Michelle isn’t pulling away from her marriage—she’s stepping further into herself. As she put it, “Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions: Who do I truly want to be every day?”
The rumors intensified earlier this year when Michelle skipped several major public events, including Donald Trump’s inauguration and President Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Barack Obama attended alone, prompting online chatter about the couple’s relationship. In reality, Michelle was on a personal retreat in Hawaii. “I looked at my calendar, and I chose what was best for me,” she explained.
Observers failed to grasp that her absence was not an act of defiance but a deliberate choice rooted in self-care. “It was an important test for me just as a woman, as an independent person,” she said. “Because, like all women, I operate from guilt.”
Michelle’s remarks reflect a broader issue faced by women in the public eye—how society reacts when they take control of their time. “People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself,” she noted. “They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.” Her tone was both bemused and firm, challenging stereotypes about women’s autonomy.
Barack Obama also weighed in during a recent talk at Hamilton College, joking, “I’m in a deep deficit with my wife” after two demanding terms in office. “So I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,” he said with a smile.
Now, with daughters Malia and Sasha grown, the Obamas are navigating a new chapter. Michelle says she’s enjoying freedom, travel, and simple pleasures—like watching TV with Barack, even if they spar over genres. “He likes death and darkness,” she joked. “I need light.”
In asserting her independence, Michelle isn’t pulling away from her marriage—she’s stepping further into herself. As she put it, “Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions: Who do I truly want to be every day?”
