Michelle Obama has suggested that the same level of discontent among US citizens that propelled her husband to power is also the reason President Donald Trump is in office. Appearing on the podcast Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso, the former first lady was asked to compare the emotions of citizens when Trump won versus when Barack Obama was elected.
The 62-year-old said that while she was upset by the election result, she understood that people were seeking change and someone different. 'More Americans had more of the basics, and that's becoming less and less,' she explained. 'And, my gosh, when you don't have a chance and you're doing everything you're supposed to do — and that's happening for people of all races, all colors, in all parts of this country, cities, rural counties, on farms, and people who are like my dad — that makes you angry, and it makes you susceptible to find someone to blame other than the people who are rightfully a part of the problem.'
She added: 'That's true, that anger. I can't look some people in the face and tell them, you have no right to be angry or to do something that maybe is against your own interest. That's human nature. Many of the people who voted for my husband twice, and I know that that's how they feel. It's like, this isn't about anything other than, we need something different.'
When asked about those who voted for both her husband and Trump, she said: 'You can't just pigeonhole them and say, you just don't care and you're racist, or whatever you're thinking.'
Obama's Continued Political Engagement
Barack Obama, who was 47 when he entered the White House and 55 when he left, has remained one of the most active ex-presidents in modern memory. He recently admitted that Michelle wants him to step back from public life so they can enjoy their later years together. However, the former commander-in-chief said Trump's return to the White House is why he cannot simply walk away, and this has become a source of friction at home.
'It does create genuine tension in our household, and it frustrates her,' Obama told The New Yorker. 'I'm more forgiving of it, I understand why people feel that way.' He also pushed back against critics who say he isn't doing enough, arguing that his continued involvement is without precedent. 'No other ex-president was the main surrogate for the party for four election cycles after they left office,' he said. As for the public clamor for him to do more, Obama was philosophical: 'The fact that people want me to be doing more is a good sign.'
Recent Activities
Just last month, Obama was the top national figure supporting the Virginia amendment to gerrymander the state's congressional maps, aiming to give several currently GOP-controlled seats to Democrats. He also recently appeared alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a visit to a childcare center. Obama left a group of children in fits of giggles as he pulled a stunt on them during the visit in April. He and Mayor Mamdani read to preschoolers and led a sing-along, but did not take questions afterward.
