Is the marriage of Barack and Michelle Obama about to end in divorce?
Rumors have swirled in recent days that the growing tension between the Obamas has just manifested very publicly — Michelle’s refusal to be seen at presidential events with her husband, the 44th president, could be insight into a failing marriage behind-the-scenes.
The rumors have revived talk from just two years ago about a challenging period after Barack’s unsuccessful 2000 bid for a U.S. House seat against former Black Panther Bobby Rush. The loss was not just a political setback, but also seriously strained their personal relationship.
Michelle admitted she couldn’t stand being around her husband for over a decade until he won the presidency.
“People think I’m being catty by saying this. It’s like, there were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband, and guess when it happened? When those kids were little,” Michelle admitted in 2022.
Tensions between the two reportedly recently flared over Barack’s support of President Joe Biden’s aborted 2024 re-election campaign.
Michelle has resented the Biden family for years, particularly Jill Biden, over the treatment of Kathleen Buhle. Buhle is Hunter Biden’s ex-wife — and Michelle’s close friend. Michelle wanted to remain on the sidelines of the political campaign, while the 44th president was very public in his support for Biden.
Since then, Michelle has remained notably absent from public events where the Biden family and husband Barack have attended.
She refused to attend former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral was particularly noteworthy last month. Now, Michelle’s recent refusal to accompany her husband to President-elect Donald Trump’s Inauguration in 5 days has caused widespread speculation that their marriage is (again) on the rocks.
Insiders say there has been significant marital strife between the two over the past few weeks, according to reports — and it may be so bad, it could ultimately lead to the divorce Michelle threatened in 2000.
Take a look —
Hearing serious talk that the reason Michelle isn't at the funeral isn't that she wasn't invited, but that she and Barack are on the outs
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) January 9, 2025
Michelle Obama is either one of the most classless, petty person alive or her and Barry are headed to divorce to not attend the inauguration. pic.twitter.com/7xvV5ng2vh
— Angie G (@MomAngtrades) January 14, 2025
Michelle and Barry are heading for divorce
Her absence at the Inauguration won’t be missed
— GHOST (@MN_wolf_) January 14, 2025
I believe she and Obama are getting a divorce https://t.co/ZK1MG40Tk7
— Teresa (@TeresaW74179641) January 14, 2025