Michelle Obama Faces Backlash Over White House Living Costs

Michelle Obama has faced significant online backlash after comments made on her podcast about the financial challenges of living in the White House, where she explained that while housing and staff are covered, the First Family must pay for their own food and some travel expenses. She highlighted the burden of not earning an income during the campaign period and the costs associated with raising children under security threats as the first Black presidential family. Critics on social media and in the press questioned her remarks, noting the substantial salary and net worth the Obamas accrued before, during, and after their time in office. Some commentators characterized her comments as out-of-touch, pointing to the family's reported net worth, which grew from approximately $1.3 million to around $70 million, largely through book and media deals. Michelle Obama also addressed persistent rumors about her marriage, dismissing them with humor and stating that any marital issues would be public knowledge. The discussion sparked debate over the expectations and realities of life as a First Family, with reactions divided largely along partisan lines.