Former First Lady Michelle Obama has ignited a firestorm of criticism following comments she made about the personal financial burdens of life inside the White House—remarks that come as persistent rumors circulate about a possible split between her and former President Barack Obama.
During a recent appearance on the Diary of a CEO podcast, Michelle opened up about the costs associated with her time as First Lady, saying, “Because it’s expensive to live in the White House. Many people don’t know, but much is not covered.”
She elaborated, “You’re paying for every bit of food you eat. You’re not paying for housing and the staff in it but everything, even travel. If you’re not traveling with the president, if your kids are coming on Bright Star – the First Lady’s plane – we had to pay for their travel to be on the plane.”
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Michelle’s comments came as a surprise to many Americans who view the role of the First Family as one of privilege.
Despite the Obamas’ estimated net worth, which ranges between $70 million and $135 million, the former First Lady’s complaints struck a nerve—especially in a time when many Americans are struggling to pay for basic necessities.
Social media reactions were swift and biting.
One user wrote, “They have no real conception of the word ‘struggle’ or ever experienced any type of real-life struggles like Americans are experiencing today.” Another commented, “Most of us have to pay for our own food & transportation in addition to rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, healthcare, etc. What makes you so special?”
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A third user added, “This is a really bad look and is going to fall flat if she wanted to garner sympathy. No one in America gets anything for their family for free because of their job.”
While Michelle’s intention may have been to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the realities of White House life, the timing and tone of her remarks have added fuel to already burning speculation about her marriage.
For months, reports have alleged that the Obamas are leading “separate lives,” with rumors of a potential divorce refusing to die down.
These rumors gained traction earlier this year when Michelle noticeably skipped several high-profile public events, including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of Donald Trump—both occasions where Barack appeared solo.
Michelle was the only living former First Lady not in attendance, raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.
When asked about her absence during the podcast, Michelle offered a more personal explanation rooted in self-reflection and life stage.
“I feel like now I have permission to do what I want to do,” she said. “I think at 61, I’m finally owning my wisdom… I think it takes women until we’re about 60 to be like, ‘I think I know a thing or two.’”
She continued, “What do I want to do in this moment? As a box-checking, a person who has been box-checking her whole life, doing the right thing, trying to always be an example, always going high, I think now I earned a little bit of ‘well, how do I feel?’ Do I want to upend my life and take this trip and leave my peace and my children for this? I didn’t have to, but that was my choice.”
Michelle admitted that earlier in her life, she “never” would have missed such events if she thought it was “the right thing to do for other people to set an example.”
Despite her efforts to explain her decisions and reflect on her journey of self-empowerment, the comments did little to tamp down the ongoing gossip about her relationship with Barack.
The rumors were recently amplified by political commentator Meghan McCain, who said on Tara Palmeri’s podcast, “I have been hearing this rumor that the Obamas are getting a divorce by reputable people. I’m not talking about TMZ, I’m not talking about Perez Hilton, although I love him, he’s my friend.”
Palmeri, a longtime political journalist, responded, “We’ve heard that for a long time… Like I just heard that they live separate lives.”
Though Michelle did not directly address the divorce speculation in the interview, her decision to speak so candidly about her personal life, frustrations, and evolving sense of independence has only intensified public scrutiny.
For now, the former First Lady appears focused on carving out a life that is more authentic to her own desires and less dictated by political protocol.
Still, for a public that often holds its former First Families to idealized standards, comments about grocery bills and private jet costs may be less than relatable.
Whether or not the Obamas are truly drifting apart remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: Michelle’s recent remarks have done little to silence the whispers, and in many ways, they may have only made them louder.
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