Overview

• Michelle Obama addressed persistent divorce rumors during an April 8 podcast interview, explaining that her post-White House independence has been misinterpreted.
• She emphasized that her current decisions are for herself, marking a shift from the constraints of her roles as First Lady and mother.
• Michelle criticized societal expectations that equate a woman’s independence with marital trouble, calling the assumptions unfounded and unfair.
• Barack Obama recently acknowledged past emotional disconnects in their marriage, describing efforts to rebuild their bond after his presidency.
• Speculation about their relationship had intensified following separate public appearances earlier this year, which Michelle dismissed as unrelated to marital issues.