Barack and Michelle Obama caused Twitter heads to swirl as the pair haven’t been seen together in public during her Fashion Week show and his ‘len theatre’ Grammys party.
Michelle Obama’s absence from major public events in recent weeks has been causing a stir and debate.
Her decision not to go to Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9, 2025 and Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20 now fuels the talk.
Barack’s attendance was confirmed by the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama but Michelle would not come with him, the Office said.
Former President Barack Obama will attend the Ceremonies.” The statement read: ‘Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not be attending the upcoming inauguration.’
The notable absences on the part of Michelle Obama have raised a variety of responses, some seeking the reasons behind her decision.
“There’s no overstating her feelings about [Trump],” said a source close to Michelle. She wasn’t the type to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake.”
That is consistent with Michelle’s previous public attacks on Trump, including the “birther’ campaign he launched against Barack Obama’s US citizenship.
Her 2018 memoir laid out how she was in shock when Trump won the 2016 election and taken aback by how he conducts himself as leader of the free world.
On social media, on X for example, the debate has reached fever pitch as fans are deeply divided as to why she isn’t showing up.
“I’ve never had a clue about what their marriage is like, but it is absolutely obvious to me that Michelle Obama is making a very pointed ” political” statement in the absences,” one user wrote.
The chatter online was sparked by another who speculated, “Sounds like the Obamas are about to get a divorce.”
But Michelle’s absence may be a bit more personal than mere politics.
It comes as her mother, Marian Robinson, died in 2024.
For her, it’s been an emotional time… It was just a time to be with family in Hawaii during the holidays,” a source said.
Although claims are made there is no evidence to support that the Obama marriage is troubled.
For years, the Obamas have been candid about the times they’ve struggled, notably because of the demands of Barack’s political career.
According to a 2024 interview with Michelle, “I couldn’t stand my husband for 10 years…” Marriage isn’t 50/50, ever.”
She has always stressed the need to stick through when the going gets tough, in such a long term partnership.
Barack remembered tense moments in his memoir “A Promised Land” about their time in the White House.
Michelle was frustrated by his long work hours and their attempt to ‘rediscover their love’ after his presidency ended, he said.
Speaking on her podcast, “The Light” Michelle said it was the tough periods that would make their relationship stronger.
There are going to be times, long periods of time, when you can’t stand each other, you’ve got to know that.
“But you don’t stop…” I could’ve missed all the beauty that was there too—if I had just walked away.’
The pair married in 1992 and another initiative is still in place, the Obama Foundation.
A partnership, cultivated on the basis of shared values, builds on their leadership development and community leadership values.
The Obamas are walking a fine line between disconnecting and staying connected publicly, as rumors of divorce continue to circulate, even as they present a united front.
Speculation around their marriage appears mainly about as much of Michelle’s bold personal decisions as any confirmed marital discord.
Given the public scrutiny this couple has weathered, and the world watching, dismissing these assumptions would be hugely important.
But ultimately, it was Michelle’s absences, not a fracture in her marriage, that seem to reflect both personal conviction and a focus on family.
Whatever these decisions are — political statements, personal choices or both — the Obamas have been resolute about how they leave their mark, side by side.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/ @barackobama)