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The internet loves a breakup rumor, and even America’s favorite power couple isn’t immune. For a while now, whispers have swirled about Michelle and Barack Obama’s marriage hitting rocky ground — largely fueled by Michelle’s absence at a few major political events (yes, including that Trump inauguration). But Michelle’s finally had enough, and she’s set the record straight in classic FLOTUS fashion.
Appearing on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast in April 2025, Michelle addressed the divorce chatter with grace and a healthy dose of real talk. “When I say ‘no,’ for the most part, people are like, ‘I get it,’” she said, referring to her decision to skip certain public events. “But they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, so they assumed my husband and I are divorcing.”
Michelle made it clear — her absences aren’t signs of a crumbling marriage but of a grown woman finally choosing herself. “That was an important test for me,” she said, “just as a woman and as an independent person.”
As for Barack? He hasn’t chimed in directly about her latest comments, but he has been candid in the past. On CBS Mornings, he acknowledged their relationship hasn’t always been perfect — especially during their years in the White House. “Let me just say this: it sure helps to be out of the White House,” he quipped, adding that Michelle bore the brunt of parenting stress while he was off running the country.
Still, they’ve weathered the storms. Michelle believes he was a good dad — maybe not perfect, but good. “Looking back, you did okay as a dad,” she once told him, and for Barack, that validation means everything.
While they may no longer be side-by-side at every public event, it’s clear they’re still very much partners — just now with more independence, more freedom, and a bit more “me time” built in. And really, isn’t that what a healthy, evolving marriage looks like?
In the words of Michelle: she’s not walking out. She’s just walking her own path — still hand in hand with Barack, even if not always in matching outfits and photo ops.