The one Trump-era policy that “keeps her up at night” was disclosed by Michelle Obama.
In an in-depth discussion regarding Trump’s second term on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, the former First Lady revealed her fears, annoyances, and unwavering refusal to compromise on her personal tranquility.
“For me, it’s what’s happening to immigrants in this current climate,” Obama stated. “I no longer fear it for myself. I travel in a police-escorted four-car motorcade. My name is Michelle Obama.
“I do still worry about my daughters in the world, even though they are somewhat recognizable,” the former First Lady acknowledged, acknowledging that her worries are still very much there.
Obama, who is now 61, stated that she is particularly concerned about immigrants and people of color in America, pointing to “bias,” “racism,” and “ignorance” that she believes are uncontrolled in the present political environment.
Obama also alluded to a move away from judicial justice and addressed concerns about whether migrants are receiving due process under the present administration.
“We know that those decisions aren’t being made with courts and with due process now that we have leadership that is, sort of, indiscriminately determining who belongs and who doesn’t,” she stated.
Craig Robinson, her brother, joined her on the show and talked about a horrific childhood event when he was accused of stealing a new bike by a Black police officer. Michelle drew a comparison to contemporary discrimination, stating that she observes remnants of the same prejudice manifesting itself in immigration enforcement.
Earlier this month, in a speech at Hamilton College, her husband, former President Barack Obama, also offered his thoughts on the status of American politics, this time without mentioning Trump.
“Look, that’s a specific policy, but I don’t think what we just saw in terms of tariffs and economic policy is going to be good for America,” he remarked. “A federal government that threatens universities if they don’t turn over students exercising their right to free speech is what I’m more deeply concerned about.”
The thought that a White House might tell law firms, “If you represent parties that we don’t like, we’re going to pull all our business or bar you from representing people effectively,” he added, “is what worries me the most.” Such conduct is counter to the fundamental agreement that we Americans have.
Michelle’s Absence from Trump’s Inauguration
After missing the burial of former President Jimmy Carter earlier that month, Michelle finally gave an explanation for her absence from Trump’s 2025 inauguration on her own podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson. This fueled a lot of rumors. She stated plainly, “It began with not having anything to wear.” “I travel with clothes in case something pops off, and I always wear the appropriate dress.” I reasoned that I should inform my team that I didn’t want to have a dress ready if I wasn’t going to do this. Because saying, “Let me do the right thing,” is so simple.
Her choice sparked criticism, with some thinking that it was a reflection of deeper political divisions or perhaps marital stress with Barack Obama, who went to both ceremonies by himself.
“There was a lot of mockery and criticism directed at my decision to skip the inauguration, what people don’t realize, or my decision to make decisions at the beginning of this year that suited me,” she remarked. “People had to assume that my marriage was failing because they couldn’t believe I was saying no for any other reason, you know?”
The former First Lady made it apparent that her absence was entirely related to self-care and had nothing to do with controversy. She revealed, “I’m at this point in my life where I have to define my life on my terms for the first time.” “So, what are those terms, and will you be attending therapy to resolve all of that?”
She also mentioned that she is currently teaching “the art of saying no” to her kids, Sasha and Malia.
“I see it in them — pleasing, excelling, not wanting to take anything for granted, always expressing gratitude,” she added, adding that she wanted them to begin mastering the art of saying no right away. “I think they’re sufficient at the moment. It’s a habit. You have to develop that muscle. Because you cannot develop it if you do not continuously construct it.
Michelle Obama has since made her position clear, despite having attended Trump’s inauguration in 2020. According to The Independent, she has previously called Trump “a predator found liable for sexual abuse,” “a convicted felon, a known slumlord,” and other derogatory terms.
