Barack and Michelle Obama are reportedly in the process of dividing their $70 million fortune as they prepare to publicly announce their separation, according to multiple reports. The former president and first lady, whose 32-year marriage has long been viewed as a model partnership, are allegedly working with legal teams and mediators to finalize terms before making their split official.
"They want to have everything ironed out in advance," a source familiar with the negotiations told The National Enquirer. "The last thing they want is an ugly fight with lots of nasty legal filings."
The reports suggest that tensions between the couple escalated following the 2024 presidential election, in which Donald Trump secured a decisive victory over Kamala Harris. Barack Obama, 63, had reportedly urged Michelle, 61, to enter the race following Joe Biden's withdrawal, but she refused, choosing instead to focus on her media ventures. "That was a total humiliation for him-she lost!" a source told The Enquirer, referring to Harris' defeat.
The couple's financial assets, which include a $60 million book deal, their Higher Ground Productions company, lucrative speaking engagements, and multiple properties valued at more than $20 million, could become a key factor in the separation. Without a prenuptial agreement, sources indicate that dividing their wealth may prove contentious. "When they split, which is looking more and more likely, it could turn into a nasty cash grab," an insider told RadarOnline.
The Business Times cannot independently verify these claims.
Signs of strain in their marriage have surfaced publicly in recent months. Michelle Obama was absent from the funeral ceremonies for former President Jimmy Carter, opting instead to extend a vacation in Hawaii. She also skipped President Trump's inauguration, leaving Barack to sit alone among former first couples. "Michelle's no stranger to putting duty above her personal feelings, but not this time," a source told RadarOnline. "This is a major signal that she's making changes and stepping away from the life she's been stuck in for decades."
Sources close to the couple claim they have been living separately for some time, with Michelle prioritizing her career outside of politics. "She sacrificed so much for him over the years, and she's finally putting herself first," a source said. The former first lady has increasingly focused on media projects, including her podcast and production work for Netflix, while Barack has remained politically engaged, endorsing candidates and speaking on policy issues.
The reported rift between them was exacerbated by disagreements over the future of the Democratic Party. Barack had reportedly hoped Michelle would step in as a unifying figure following Biden's exit, a move that many believed could have prevented Trump's return to the White House. However, Michelle has repeatedly dismissed speculation about a political career, stating that she has no desire to run for office. "Yes, she probably would have won if she had run, but she simply does not share his ambition and hunger for power," a source said.
Despite the mounting speculation, neither Barack nor Michelle Obama has publicly addressed the rumors. Their social media posts have continued to portray a united front, with Barack recently sharing a birthday tribute to Michelle. However, sources claim an official statement confirming their separation is likely to come after the summer.
"They've been at each other since Election Day like cats and dogs," a source close to the couple said. "Maintaining the illusion of a happy and stable marriage is no longer a solution. They both are of the mind that they will be better off on their own."
If confirmed, the Obamas' split would mark the first post-White House divorce of a former U.S. president and first lady.
