Michelle Obama Opens Up About Facing Criticism as First Lady

Former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke candidly about the intense scrutiny she faced over her appearance while living in the White House. She appeared on Call Her Daddy, hosted by Alex Cooper, on January 21, where she reflected on the challenges behind the scenes.

Michelle, now 62, served as First Lady from 2009 to 2017 alongside her husband, Barack Obama. She remains widely admired as one of the most influential First Ladies in U.S. history and made history as the first African-American woman in the role.

Achievements Overshadowed by Appearance Criticism

During her time in the White House, Michelle led major initiatives, especially in health and nutrition. She championed the Let’s Move campaign to fight childhood obesity and promoted the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, improving school meals nationwide.

Yet, despite these accomplishments, Michelle explained that public attention often focused on trivial matters. Media coverage frequently highlighted her clothing choices or even her arms, rather than the substance of her work and policies.

Speaking Out on Harsh Scrutiny

On the podcast, Michelle reflected on the harsh and often cruel criticism she endured. Alex Cooper referenced a comment Michelle made on her own IMO podcast in November 2025:

“It is the habit of the culture of the world to put women in their place by attacking their physical being.”

Michelle elaborated on how media coverage prioritized her looks over her qualifications:

“The top of the article would be what I was wearing, not my education, not my professional career. It started with appearance. It was clear they didn’t know anything about what I did before I came here.”

Her frustration is understandable. Michelle earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton and graduated from Harvard Law School. She also worked as an assistant to the mayor in Chicago and ran a nonprofit organization. Yet, she explained, “My shoes became the most important thing about me.”

Advice for Women in Leadership

Michelle emphasized the importance of awareness and responsibility, especially for women in leadership roles:

“We have to think more, strike that balance, and be thoughtful about the messages we send and receive. When you get the power, when you’re the boss, when you’re running your own thing, let’s not become female versions of what was broken. Are you building the world you promised your little girl?”

She also addressed speculation about her potential presidential run. When Cooper quoted her past remark, “Don’t even look at me about running because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman, you’re not,” Michelle reaffirmed her statement:

“There are men out there who were not going to vote for a woman. Let’s be real and put that on the table. We don’t need to be mad because I made the statement.”

Encouragement for the Next Generation

Toward the end of the conversation, Michelle spoke directly to young women, urging them to persevere despite setbacks:

“We need you and know that you may come up short, but keep going.”

Her message encourages girls and young women to continue striving, pushing forward, and believing in their potential—regardless of criticism or societal expectations.