Barack Obama has revealed that he’s been working hard to “dig himself out of a deep deficit” with his wife, Michelle, following their time in the White House. In a candid conversation with Hamilton College President Steven Tepper, the former president shared how he’s been focusing on repairing their bond after the eight years of intense public scrutiny and personal sacrifice. For Barack, this new chapter is all about balancing his public endeavors, like leading the Obama Foundation and writing his memoirs, with dedicating more quality time to the woman who’s been by his side for over three decades.
“I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” Obama joked, acknowledging the challenges their marriage faced while he was in office. His comment reflects a common struggle many public figures face—maintaining a healthy relationship under constant pressure. The former first couple, married since 1992, has long been the subject of marriage rumors, especially after Barack attended public events like former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration without Michelle by his side. These appearances sparked speculation about possible marital issues, further fueled by false rumors of an alleged affair involving Barack and actress Jennifer Aniston, which she has since denied.
Michelle, for her part, has never shied away from discussing the tough periods in their marriage. In a 2022 interview, she opened up about the decade-long phase when she struggled with the pressures of raising their daughters while Barack’s political career took off. “There were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband,” Michelle admitted, shedding light on the emotional toll of balancing her own ambitions with the demands of being the wife of a rising political star. She has often spoken of the unique challenges she faced as the first African-American first lady, including enduring unwarranted criticism and stereotypes that only added to the strain.
Despite these challenges, Michelle has remained unwavering in her support for Barack, especially when their financial situation was less than ideal. During an episode of her podcast, she recalled how Barack stood by her side, offering encouragement and support when she faced career transitions. “I had somebody who was like, ‘I got your back,’” she said, reflecting on the foundation of their partnership.
The couple’s resilience in the face of public scrutiny was a theme Michelle revisited during a live podcast taping in March. She spoke about how they manage negative energy and criticism, reminding listeners that much of the narrative surrounding them is fabricated. “Don’t let that negative energy enter into your space,” she urged, emphasizing that public gossip does not define their relationship.
Since leaving the White House in 2017, Barack has expressed how much more time he now has to focus on their marriage. “It sure helps to be out of the White House and to have a little more time with her,” he remarked in a 2023 interview. With their home in Washington, D.C., and a new mansion nearing completion in Hawaii, the Obamas continue to build on their strong foundation, showing that even the most high-profile relationships can find new joy and connection after the spotlight dims.
For Barack Obama, the most meaningful post-presidential endeavor may not be his memoirs or his foundation—but the ongoing effort to honor and cherish Michelle, the woman who has stood by him through thick and thin.
