Barack Obama Addresses Marital Struggles After White House Years

CLINTON, N.Y. — Former President Barack Obama opened up about the strains on his marriage to Michelle Obama during a recent conversation at Hamilton College. The former president, 63, admitted that the pressures of his eight years in the Oval Office have left him “in a deep deficit with my wife.” This heartfelt revelation came Thursday as he spoke with Hamilton College President Steven Tepper.

“So I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,” Obama said, acknowledging the impact his presidency had on their relationship. Michelle Obama, 61, has also been candid about their challenges. In a past interview, she disclosed, “There were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband,” referring to the years when he was rising politically while she focused on their daughters, Sasha and Malia.

The couple’s relationship has been dissected in the media, especially following moments when they appeared separately at key events, including the funerals and inaugurations of prominent political figures. Despite sharing loving messages on social media, rumors of marital discord have persisted. The Obamas attempted to quell speculation with Valentine’s Day posts featuring cozy photos and affirmations of their love.

The couple, who met at a law firm in Chicago in the late 1980s, married in 1992. In his 2020 memoir, “A Promised Land,” Barack recalled, “I was smitten almost from the second I saw her.” In recent discussions, he expressed relief at being out of the White House, emphasizing that the change has allowed him more time with Michelle.

During his college appearance, Obama also addressed the political landscape, criticizing former President Donald Trump and the lack of accountability facing politicians today. “It’s unimaginable that the same parties that are silent now would have tolerated behavior like that from me, or from a whole bunch of my predecessors,” he stated.

The Obamas have long been advocates for mental health and open communication in relationships. Michelle once noted, “Through it all, what kept us sane… is, you cannot live through social media.” She emphasized the importance of focusing on their family and each other amid public scrutiny.

As the couple continues to navigate their marriage post-presidency, both have highlighted the significance of making time for each other. As Barack put it in an earlier interview, “It sure helps to be out of the White House and to have a little more time with her.”