Michelle Obama Reacts to Critics of Her Appearance as First Lady

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Michelle Obama is looking through the lens of her biggest critics.

Michelle Obama reflected on how people saw her during her time as First Lady, alongside her husband Barack Obama, and how that affected the way she presented herself to the public.

Recalling her experience with newfound fame during her campaign and presidency on the January 21st episode of Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, the 62-year-old explained that media coverage quickly focused on her appearance rather than her qualifications. She noted that initial reports would begin with descriptions of what she was wearing, instead of highlighting her education or career, and that this superficial focus only intensified as her success grew.

“Suddenly, all anyone seemed to notice was my footwear,” explained the author of The Look. “It’s something that can happen to anyone, really. After that, I made a point of avoiding letting fashion become the main topic of discussion.”

Michelle realized it wasn’t simply about politics; the discussions happening around her touched on deeper issues.

I began to consider how women are perceived, initially focusing on their strength. But then I realized I was feeling resentful, not enthusiastic. I recognized I was being prejudiced, and I hadn’t been portraying my husband as a relatable person. I also realized my own physical description was being exaggerated – I wasn’t just fit, but portrayed as intimidatingly muscular. It was a gradual shift in understanding, and I initially blamed political motivations for the reactions, rather than acknowledging people’s underlying biases.

Michelle, who shares her daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, with Barack, explained she intentionally chose outfits with a specific message. She described her approach as a way to counter negativity, saying, “What better way to beat a moving engine is to try and slow it down.”

I realized I couldn’t manage every detail,” Michelle Obama explained. “So, I wanted to focus on what I could control and develop a clear plan for how fashion – like all aspects of the White House – could be used purposefully and make a difference.”

Michelle explained that the task wasn’t just a matter of getting dressed and appearing – it required more effort than that.

Michelle pointed out the significant amount of unseen work women often do, simply as part of their daily lives. She emphasized the need for women to acknowledge this workload and recognize it requires effort and planning. She also expressed that men shouldn’t act as if success comes effortlessly, and highlighted the different pressures and responsibilities faced by partners who travel, especially compared to their spouses.

Michelle learned to rise above criticism, understanding that negative comments about her appearance wouldn’t diminish her self-worth.

She explained that she tries to understand what might have caused her abuser to act the way they did, recognizing that their actions stemmed from their own pain and weren’t a reflection of her worth. She acknowledged she might have simply been the most accessible person for them to target at the time. Ultimately, she refused to let the experience destroy her hope for the future.

To look back at how Michelle showed up in style alongside Barack through the years, keep reading…

Barack Obama and Michelle met while working at the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin. Barack took the job to help pay off his student loans, and Michelle was assigned to mentor him during his summer associate position.

Barack Obama once told O, The Oprah Magazine that he was immediately impressed by Michelle’s height and beauty. He also shared that Michelle was relieved to discover his nose and ears weren’t as large as they appeared in a photo he’d used for the firm’s directory.

After their first meeting, it took a while for Michelle to agree to go out on a date with Barack. 

He confessed that he asked her on a date repeatedly, but she kept turning him down. She explained, ‘I’m your advisor, and a relationship wouldn’t be professional.’ He eventually offered to resign from his job, and she finally agreed to go out with him.

They went to see Spike Lee’s film Do the Right Thing for their first date, and afterwards shared their first kiss while getting ice cream at Baskin-Robbins.

In a 2018 interview with 20/20, Michelle described their first kiss as the moment everything changed. She said he kissed her gently, and from that point on, they were in love and officially a couple.

Two years after they started dating, Barack proposed to Michelle over dinner at a restaurant in Chicago. She was surprised because she didn’t realize he was ready to get married.

In her memoir, Becoming, she recalled him taking her hand and confessing his deep love, but then adding that he still didn’t understand the purpose of it all. She was immediately embarrassed and thought to herself, ‘Are we really having this conversation now?’

The couple had been discussing marriage throughout dinner, but the conversation stopped abruptly when the waiter brought dessert. Instead of cake, Michelle found a small, dark velvet box on her plate – and inside was a diamond ring.

Barack had been teasing me the whole time. It was all a playful trick, and it took me a moment to realize I wasn’t supposed to be angry. He’d deliberately gotten a rise out of me because he promised this would be the last time he ever brought up our silly marital disagreement, for as long as we both lived.

Over a year after Barack proposed on their date, he and Michelle got married on October 3rd at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

Michelle Obama shared a memory of her wedding day in October 1992, recalling that Barack woke up with a bad cold. She was amazed that it vanished by the time she met him at the altar, and they danced for most of the night. In a 2018 Instagram post, she wrote that after twenty-five years, they were still enjoying life together, working hard to strengthen their relationship and support each other, and she couldn’t imagine sharing life’s journey with anyone else.

Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, was born in Chicago on July 4, 1998. After growing up partly in the White House, she went on to graduate from Harvard University in 2021. Now pursuing her own career in entertainment, she’s chosen to use the name Malia Ann when credited for her 2024 short film, “The Heart.”

Barack Obama recounted a conversation with his daughter Malia about her decision to leave her last name off of something she was doing. He said he pointed out that people would likely recognize her, but she wanted people to experience it without knowing who she was beforehand. He believes his daughters generally avoid using their family name to get ahead.

I’ll never forget when Sasha Obama came into the public eye! Born on June 10, 2001, she was so young – only seven years old – when her family moved into the White House. It was actually the youngest a first child had been to live there since little John F. Kennedy Jr. back in 1961! I was so proud to see her graduate from the University of Southern California in May 2023; she’s truly inspiring.

Michelle shared a sweet message on Instagram for her daughter Sasha’s 24th birthday in June 2025, posting a rare family photo. She expressed how quickly time passes and shared how proud she is of the woman Sasha has become, ending with a loving message.

Following his time in the Illinois state senate, Barack successfully campaigned for a U.S. Senate seat representing Illinois. Initially, however, Michelle wasn’t enthusiastic about becoming involved in politics as her husband’s career took off.

In her book, Becoming, Michelle Obama wrote that she wasn’t a fan of politicians and was hesitant about her husband entering politics.

Despite her qualms, she supported Barack throughout his campaign and time in office. 

He told Scott Pelley in a 2020 interview with 60 Minutes that he came to realize, even while working, how much he appreciated his wife’s forgiveness. He described her willingness to accept his mistakes as a generous act he felt he didn’t earn.

In 2008, after winning the election, Barack Obama publicly thanked his wife, who would become the First Lady.

In his victory speech, Barack Obama credited his wife, Michelle, with being his constant source of strength and love. He described her as his best friend of sixteen years, the foundation of their family, and the next First Lady of the United States.

Barack and Michelle Obama were separated for their 20th wedding anniversary because Barack was in Denver, Colorado, participating in the first presidential debate of the 2012 election. Despite the distance, he made sure to publicly acknowledge the special occasion.

Tonight, I want to share something special. Twenty years ago, Michelle Obama said yes to marrying me, making me the luckiest man alive. Happy anniversary, my love! We won’t be celebrating publicly like this again next year, as we’ll be enjoying it privately.

Barack’s opponent, Mitt Romney even joined in on the well wishes. 

During the debate, Mitt Romney congratulated President Obama on his anniversary, adding with a touch of humor, “I’m sure this is the most romantic place you could have hoped for – right here with me.”

The Obamas later celebrated with a dinner at Bourbon Steak in Georgetown. 

Barack Obama won a second term as President of the United States in 2012. The victory was a moment of celebration not just for him, but also for his wife, Michelle, who played a significant role in supporting his campaign.

In 2011, on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Barack Obama openly shared his gratitude for Michelle, saying he couldn’t have achieved anything without her. He described her as not only an excellent First Lady, but also his constant source of strength and support, someone he relies on daily.

In his farewell address, Barack Obama made a point of warmly thanking his wife.

In his 2017 farewell speech, Barack Obama spoke directly to his wife, Michelle, saying she had been much more than just his wife and the mother of their children – she was his closest friend. He acknowledged she stepped into a public role she hadn’t sought, and excelled at it with elegance, strength, and a wonderful sense of humor. He expressed immense pride in her, stating she had also made the nation proud.

I’ve been so happy to see the Obamas enjoying life after their time in office, starting back in 2017. It’s wonderful to hear President Obama himself say it’s been a real relief for Michelle to step away from the constant public scrutiny – a truly welcome change for both of them, I’m sure.

In 2020, Barack Obama told People magazine that his wife, Michelle, seemed more relaxed and happier since they’d left office. He explained that it allowed them to fully appreciate their long-lasting love and reconnect as friends.

The couple posted sweet tributes for each other on social media to celebrate 30 years of marriage. 

Michelle Obama celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary with Barack Obama, sharing a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter). She expressed her love and gratitude for their two decades together, calling it an incredible adventure, and wished for many more years as a couple. She ended her message with a loving shout-out to her husband, @BarackObama.

And he quickly returned the favor.

Barack Obama playfully commented on Instagram, wondering why his partner hasn’t aged while he has after 30 years together. He then sweetly added that finding his life partner was the greatest luck he could have asked for, and wished them a happy anniversary.

Following Michelle’s 20-minute speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, she warmly introduced her husband, calling him “the love of my life.” They shared a hug, and Barack then enthusiastically praised his wife to the crowd.

Barack Obama jokingly told the audience he was energized, even though he admitted following Michelle Obama as a speaker was a daunting task.

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2026-01-21 17:18