Michelle Obama is facing public criticism after stating that living in the White House came with unexpected personal expenses, including paying for food and travel not covered by taxpayer funds. The remarks, made during her appearance on the Diary of a CEO podcast, triggered online backlash from commentators accusing the former First Lady of being out of touch.
"It's expensive to live in the White House," Obama said during the interview. "Many people don't know, but much is not covered. You're paying for every bit of food you eat. You're not paying for housing and the staff in it but everything, even travel."
She elaborated that if her children traveled on Bright Star, the plane designated for the First Lady, the family had to cover the travel costs themselves. "If you're not traveling with the president... we had to pay for their travel to be on the plane," she added.
Despite her and former President Barack Obama's estimated net worth of $70 million-driven largely by book deals, speaking engagements, and real estate investments-the comments drew sharp criticism across social media platforms. One user wrote on X, "They have no real conception of the word 'struggle.'" Another added, "She can cry me a river."
Former co-host of The View Meghan McCain weighed in, posting, "It would be cool if Michelle Obama had literally anything positive to say about anything."
Obama previously discussed similar topics in a 2018 Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance, remarking, "It's a little shocking, because no one tells you this stuff... Rent is free, staff is free - we shouldn't be mooching off of the taxpayers."
Former First Ladies have also commented on unexpected expenses. Laura Bush noted in her memoir that while it is "more than fair" to pay for personal items, she was surprised by the "sheer number of designer clothes" expected of the role.
Obama's comments arrive as rumors swirl about her marriage. The couple, who have not been seen publicly together at several recent high-profile events, are reportedly undergoing therapy and attempting to "hash out their issues," according to sources cited by RadarOnline.
"I'm 60 years old, I finished a really hard thing in life with my family intact," Obama said during an appearance on the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty. "At this phase of my life, I'm in therapy right now because I'm transitioning, you know?"
Speculation intensified after Barack Obama attended both President Jimmy Carter's funeral and former President Donald Trump's inauguration without his wife. Michelle Obama has insisted her absences were personal choices unrelated to marital discord. "That this couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?" she said.
Her brother, Craig Robinson, addressed the speculation directly, saying, "If they were having a problem, I'd be doing a podcast with him."
Michelle Obama acknowledged on the Diary of a CEO podcast that marriage is "hard," but said, "I wouldn't trade it." Referring to the former president, she added, "As the young people say... my person."
