Michelle Obama clears air on Trump inauguration snub and divorce rumours

UPDATED: Jun 27, 2025 06:32 IST

Former First Lady Michelle Obama jokingly responded to constant rumours surrounding her marriage to Barack Obama, blaming their lack of social presence.

In an interview on NPR's Wild Card podcast with Rachel Martin, Michelle commented that the couple just doesn't feel the urge to always post about their relationship on social media.

“The fact that people don’t see me going on dates with my husband sparks rumours of the end of our marriage,” she said. We’re 60, y’all. We’re not going to Instagram every minute of our lives.”

SKIPPING EVENTS WAS A CONSCIOUS CHOICE

Michelle also spoke about her absence from a number of high-profile events, including President Donald Trump's inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Admitting that her choice raised questions, she said it was an intentional act of self-prioritization.

"One of the big choices I made this year was to just stay home and not go to funerals and inaugurations and all that stuff I'm supposed to go to," she said. "That was me exercising my ambition in what I want to do beyond what's prescribed for me. And I have to claim it."

The ex-president's wife owned up to the fact of not showing up for some formal events. "Whatever backlash there was, I had to sit with it and claim it. But I didn't regret it. It's my life now, and I can say that," she continued.

Michelle also stressed that just because she and her husband are not always visible to the public eye that does not mean they have lost their connection.

She had already addressed such rumours in her podcast The Light Podcast, co-hosted by her brother Craig Robinson, and emphasised that their privacy is deliberate.

Her remarks put to rest months of speculation and reinforced that the Obamas remain united.

- Ends