Michelle Obama is pushing back against the swirling divorce rumors that have taken over social media.
Choosing instead to focus on her newfound independence and self-empowerment.
In a recent podcast appearance, the former First Lady offered rare insights into her personal growth and her evolving marriage with Barack Obama.
Additionally, she also revealed how her life has transformed since stepping away from the White House.
Michelle Obama says leaving the white house marked a turning point in her personal freedom
Speaking with Sophia Bush on the Work in Progress podcast (aired April 8), Michelle Obama opened up about the dramatic shift she experienced after leaving the white house.
Now at 61, she describes this stage of life as the first time she’s been able to make decisions solely for herself
“For the first time in my life, all of my choices are for me,” she said.
Michelle explained that during her years as First Lady and even before, she often let her role as a mother or wife—or her husband’s presidency—guide her decisions.
Now, she’s learning not to “blame [her] decisions and indecisions on anyone other than” herself.
“I think if I’m honest with myself,” Michelle said, “I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago. But I didn’t give myself that freedom.”
Michelle revealed that divorce rumors started with Barack Obama
Michelle acknowledged that social media speculation exploded simply because people saw her acting independently.
While, some users jumped to conclusions about her marriage instead of recognizing a woman choosing her own path.
“They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing. This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?” she said.
Additionally, she called attention to the societal tendency to view women’s independence as threatening or unnatural.
This is especially true when it doesn’t align with familiar stereotypes.
“That’s what society does to us. If it doesn’t fit into the stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.”
Barack Obama has also reflected on the challenges their marriage
Michelle’s honest revelations come not long after Barack Obama opened up about the impact of his presidency on their marriage.
Speaking to College President Steven Tepper, Barack admitted:
“I was in a deep deficit with Michelle, and I’ve been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things.”
The Obamas have long been open about how the pressures of public service affected their personal lives.
But both Michelle and Barack have made it clear: while their relationship has evolved, the foundation remains strong. Ultimately, Michelle Obama’s comments weren’t about breaking up, but about breaking free from societal expectations.
Her message was one of personal growth, self-discovery, and empowerment—not relationship crisis.
While the Michelle Obama divorce rumors may continue to trend online, her words speak louder than the headlines.