Barack and Michelle Obama have returned to couples' therapy in what sources describe as a renewed effort to stabilize their marriage, as speculation intensifies over possible divorce proceedings and the division of a reported $70 million in joint assets.
The former President and First Lady, who married in 1992, are reportedly navigating one of the most challenging chapters in their decades-long relationship, with insiders claiming therapy has reemerged as a tool to address long-standing tensions. "They love each other deeply, but marriage is work," said celebrity journalist Rob Shuter. "They're committed to doing that work - even now."
The couple's private efforts to reconcile stand in contrast to their coordinated public appearances and affectionate social media messages. Barack Obama posted a glowing Valentine's Day tribute to Michelle this year, calling her someone who "still takes my breath away." But behind the scenes, sources suggest more complex realities.
"People see the hand-holding and the cute Instagram captions, but behind the scenes, it's two people choosing each other every day - and some days are harder than others," a source told RadarOnline.com. "They're not breaking up... they're doubling down."
Concerns over the couple's future were further stirred by Michelle Obama's candid comments during a recent episode of her podcast. When asked by author Jay Shetty if she would have been attracted to a man struggling financially, Michelle responded: "Uh, I married one." She went on to reflect on how she left her corporate job to support Barack's early political ambitions, saying, "I would rather have somebody who is ready to do some hard things with me."
The comments have been interpreted by some insiders as a signal of behind-the-scenes negotiations over the couple's wealth and holdings. "Michelle opening up about how she supported Barack before he made it big is a glaring sign they are embroiled in cash discussions behind the scenes," one source said.
Another added, "It is also a sign their negotiations are not going smoothly and she may be setting out her stall to stake a claim to everything he has."
Barack Obama, now 63, recently acknowledged the strains placed on their relationship during his presidency. "I was in a deep deficit with my wife," he said during an April 5 event at Hamilton College. "So I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things."
Michelle, 61, has spoken openly in the past about their use of counseling. In a 2018 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she reflected on how therapy helped reframe her understanding of marital dynamics. "You go because you think the counselor is going to help you make your case against the other person... and lo and behold, counseling wasn't that at all."
The couple first sought counseling following the birth of daughters Malia and Sasha. Their renewed participation in therapy is seen as a serious attempt to protect their union from deterioration.
Insiders also suggest that the Obamas are proactively working through legal and financial planning in case the situation worsens. "They want to have everything ironed out in advance," said one source. "The last thing they want is an ugly fight with lots of nasty legal filings."
