Michelle Obama slammed for complaining about how 'expensive' it was to live in White House: 'Undignified'

WASHINGTON, DC: Michelle Obama has drawn online backlash after opening up about the financial challenges of living in the White House.

The former first lady also addressed ongoing rumors about her marriage to Barack Obama during a candid conversation on her podcast.

Michelle Obama reveals financial burden of living in the White House

Michelle Obama said speaking on 'IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson', said, “It’s expensive to live in the White House. Many people don’t know. I mean much is not covered. You’re paying for every food, every bit of food that you eat,” during her podcast appearance.

She continued, “You’re not paying for housing and the staff in it. But everything, even travel. If you’re not traveling with the president, if your kids are coming on a bright star, which is the first lady’s plane, we had to pay for their travel to be on the plane.”

Michelle’s husband, Barack Obama, served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

A Democrat, he became the first African-American president in US history. Before entering the White House, Barack was a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and held positions in the Illinois Senate and the US Senate.

Michelle Obama added, “It is an expensive proposition and you’re running for two years and not earning an income,” as she described the financial toll of a presidential campaign, TGP noted. 

Michelle Obama addresses divorce rumors involving her and Barack Obama

Michelle Obama also took a moment to respond to long-running divorce rumors involving her and former President Barack Obama.

She tackled the speculation with humor, mentioning her brother and making it clear there were no underlying issues.

“If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it,” Michelle said. “Let me tell you, he would know it,” she added, pointing at her brother. “And everybody would know it.”

Michelle Obama sparks backlash over her remarks

Michelle Obama’s remarks sparked strong reactions online, with many social media users criticizing her take on White House expenses.

“If it was sooooo expensive how did they end up with all those millions considering Barack was a Community Organizer (very low paying job) before entering politics. Oh, she forgot to mention, they got lots of money from lobbyists and donors,” one user wrote on X.

One user defended the Obamas, writing, “No, dingleberry, they got millions because they're both celebrated authors and public speakers.”

Another added, “The first time ever that any first lady has complained about money. Very undignified.”

“Cry me a river. I pay for my food & travel costs too,” commented another.

“Completely separate from politics I feel these are valid concerns she raised. People don't understand that everything the president and family uses, they pay for. It makes Trump not taking a salary even more impressive,” said one user.

One more added, “Out of touch at its finest.”

Another comment read, “I have never seen anyone with so much privilege, complaining so much.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.