Tucker Carlson accused Michelle Obama of being "miserable" and suggested her marriage to former President Barack Obama was deeply flawed, sparking backlash amid renewed interest in the Obamas' personal life. The comments come as the former first lady opened up about therapy and self-care on her podcast, "IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson."
"She's just so miserable, and it's obvious and always has been," Carlson said during a recent interview on Megyn Kelly's show. "Take some time to focus on your marriage." Carlson added that people in happy marriages "emanate a kind of peace, a tranquility" and claimed, "She really dislikes her husband... her hostility toward the guy is unbelievable."
Carlson, who was ousted from Fox News in 2023 and has since launched his own media ventures, also accused the Obamas of prioritizing "Netflix deals" and accolades over their relationship. "They're the ones wrecking our society," he said. "She's like a freak show, and it's easy to make fun of her."
The former first lady, meanwhile, has been publicly reflecting on the personal costs of public life. During Wednesday's episode of her podcast with her brother Craig Robinson, she explained why she declined to attend Donald Trump's inauguration and described the emotional toll of eight years in the White House. "I'm at this stage in life where I have to define my life on my terms for the first time," she said. "What happened that eight years that we were in the White House? What did that do to me internally, my soul?"
Michelle Obama said therapy has helped her reclaim a sense of self. "Maybe finally I'm good enough," she said. "Going through therapy is getting me to look at that."
She said her decision not to attend Trump's inauguration was met with ridicule and speculation that her marriage was in crisis. "People couldn't believe that I was saying no for any other reason... they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart."
Michelle Obama has previously acknowledged difficult periods in her marriage. In a 2022 interview with Revolt TV, she said, "There were 10 years where I couldn't stand my husband," referring to the challenges of raising children while managing Barack Obama's political career.
Still, the former president has consistently expressed affection for his wife on social media. "Happy birthday to the love of my life," he wrote in January. "You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace... I'm so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you." In February, he added, "Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away."
The couple was recently seen dining together in Washington, D.C., the first public sighting since December, despite ongoing rumors stoked by right-wing media figures.
A clip of Michelle Obama's podcast shared on Instagram prompted journalist Katie Couric to write, "Michelle. You do you. That's why we love you. Ignore the haters and the naysayers. You're powerful and that's why you're a lightning rod for them."
Actress Taraji P. Henson, a guest on the podcast, praised Obama for taking a stand. "You have had to be shock absorbers... that's not fair to you," Henson said. "When do you ever get to live for you? I applaud you."
