Michelle Obama faces backlash over calling White House living ‘expensive’
By Heather Hunter,
17 days ago
Former first lady Michelle Obama is facing renewed scrutiny following recent podcast appearances in which she discussed the challenges of living in the White House . Her remarks, particularly about the financial pressures of life in the executive mansion, have drawn criticism from conservative commentators and social media users who accuse her of being out of touch.
On the Diary of a CEO podcast, Obama opened up about the high cost of residing in the White House, noting that many expenses were not covered.
It would be cool if Michelle Obama had literally anything positive to say about anything. https://t.co/SIG6NnChzm
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) May 4, 2025“Much is not covered,” she said. “You’re paying for every bit of food that you eat. You’re not paying for housing and the staff in it, but everything else — even travel. If you're not traveling with the president, and your kids are on Bright Star, the first lady’s plane, we had to pay for their travel.”
She added, “It is an expensive proposition, and you’re running for two years and not earning an income. So all of that was in my mind — how would we manage this?”
Among the most vocal critics was Meghan McCain, conservative commentator and daughter of the late Sen. John McCain.
Responding to Obama’s comments, McCain posted on X: “It would be cool if Michelle Obama had literally anything positive to say about anything.”
McCain has also weighed in on the persistent rumors surrounding the Obamas’ marriage — speculation Michelle addressed in her podcast and other public appearances.
“If she wants everyone to stop speculating on her marriage,” McCain posted, “she shouldn’t spend every episode of her podcast telling women we need to expect marriage to be a torturous hellscape with few glimpses of happiness.”
Obama has used her podcast and media appearances to speak candidly about her life after the White House. On a recent episode, she revealed she is currently in therapy as part of a personal transition.
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“At this phase of my life, I’m in therapy right now because I’m transitioning,” she said. “I’m 60 years old. … I finished a really hard thing in my life with my family intact. I’m an empty nester … and now, for the first time, every choice I’m making is completely mine.”
Despite the openness and vulnerability she’s shared, criticism continues, especially regarding her podcast's performance. In My Opinion, the show she co-hosts with her brother, Craig Robinson, launched in early March with much anticipation but has struggled to climb the charts.
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