Barack Obama opened up about experiencing a “deep deficit” with Michelle Obama during his presidency and how he worked to get himself “out of that hole.”
The former president got candid with Hamilton College students on Thursday as he spoke about a period when he failed to meet his wife’s needs, which ultimately hurt their marriage.
Inside the Obama Marriage: Dealing with Marital Challenges During His Administration
Barack and Michelle Obama’s marriage symbolized a strong and healthy partnership in the public eye, but it had its challenges.
"I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” the 44th president shared on April 3 with Hamilton College President Steven Tepper, referring to how his work in the Oval Office caused marital problems, as per the Daily Beast.
Obama said that after leaving the White House, he wanted to make it up to his wife by spending time together doing “fun” activities.
The former first lady also shared with Revolt TV in 2022, “There were 10 years where I couldn't stand my husband.”
She recalled how Obama’s presidential duties became demanding while she had to take care of their daughters.
"Let me just say this: It sure helps to be out of the White House and to have a little more time with her,” Obama told CBS Mornings in 2023, adding that post-presidency was when he began to finally win his wife over.
After serving the country for two terms, the first African American U.S. president turned his attention to the Obama Foundation and to completing his presidential memoirs, which he described as being like writing “50 term papers.”
The Obamas’ Rumored Divorce and Barack and Jennifer Aniston’s Alleged Affair
Obama may have admitted that there was a period during his presidency when his marriage was on the rocks, but he has not commented on the rumors that he and Michelle are currently heading for divorce.
The speculation was fueled by the alleged affair between Obama and Jennifer Aniston, which reportedly began in 2024.
Aniston has already denied the rumor through a representative, who stated that they don’t have a personal relationship, though the Friends alum was said to be a fan.
However, the rumored affair resurfaced in 2025 when an alleged direct message from Aniston’s friend was leaked, detailing her supposed relationship with Obama.
Melanie King posted the DM on her X account, which read:
“He’s with Jennifer Aniston. My old manager, now a friend, is connected to her inner circle. At a gathering with Jennifer’s friends, the affair came up casually. Jennifer herself admitted it.”
These wild claims have not been proven, but Obama going out to Los Angeles to watch a Clippers game and have dinner without his wife in March certainly didn’t help his case.
Additionally, the former First Lady was also absent during Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, while her husband was present at the swearing-in ceremony, standing firm in her opinions about the current president.
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