Barack Obama is offering a rare glimpse into his relationship with Michelle Obama.
The former president revealed that since completing his two consecutive terms in the White House in 2017, he’s been enjoying more quality time and fun activities with his wife.
“I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” the Democratic leader told Hamilton College President Steven Tepper at an April 3 event “so I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things.”
The former president also opened up about his home life with Michelle and their daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, reflecting on moments when he struggled to communicate as clearly as he had hoped.
“First of all, I constantly lose arguments to my wife, my daughters. They mock me and ridicule me at the dinner table.”
Obama offered a candid look into his marriage with Michelle during a conversation with Hamilton College President Steven Tepper, who asked what he’s been up to lately. Barack shared that much of his time is dedicated to the Obama Foundation and working on the second volume of his presidential memoirs — which he jokingly compared to writing “50 term papers.”
Although the Obamas have been married since 1992, they haven’t been seen together in public much this year, even as Barack says he’s been making an effort to enjoy more fun moments with Michelle.
According to TMZ, in March alone, Barack was spotted at a Los Angeles Clippers game and dining out in L.A.—both times without Michelle. She was also noticeably absent from Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration.
As reported by Page Six, a former colleague of the Obamas addressed speculation about their marriage, saying, “They’ve never claimed to have a perfect, fairy-tale relationship. They’re not trying to portray themselves as some ideal, storybook couple.”
While rumors circulated that the two were heading for divorce—sparked by Barack’s solo appearances at several major events in Washington, D.C.—another source told The Independent that Michelle simply has no desire to spend time in the nation’s capital.
