Michelle Obama
has encountered criticism for voicing concerns over the expenses related to relocating into the
White House
When her spouse Barack took office as President.
The ex-First Lady was featured on the Diary of a CEO podcast on May 1, offering fresh perspectives on her relationship as part of the duo.
dispel speculation about them heading for divorce.
The Obamas’ estimated wealth spans from approximately $70 million to $135 million, placing them amongst the wealthiest former presidents—coming second only to some predecessors.
Donald Trump
and
Bill Clinton
.
But
Michelle mentioned in the podcast
This was not always true, and once they entered the White House, the expenses tended to accumulate rapidly.
“Due to the high cost of residing in the White House, many individuals are unaware that numerous expenses go uncovered,” she explained.
You’re responsible for covering the cost of each bite of food you consume. However, accommodation fees and the personnel within aren’t included; instead, you have to pay for all expenses, including travels.
If you’re not accompanying the president, when your children are aboard Bright Star – which is the First Lady’s aircraft – then their travel expenses have to be covered.
Her remarks have shocked critics online, who have criticized her for seeming disconnected from reality. This criticism stems from the fact that her spouse’s earnings as President place them within the upper echelon of American income, specifically in the top 3% of earners in the country.
One critic commented on X that they do not truly understand the concept of the term ‘struggle’ or face genuine life challenges akin to what many Americans endure nowadays,
Many of us have to cover the costs of our food and travel besides paying for rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, healthcare, among other things. So what makes you so exceptional? someone questioned.
This is quite an unfavorable situation and will likely backfire if her aim was to gain compassion. In America, nobody receives benefits from their family’s work without earning them.
Initially, when Barack informed her about his desire to run for office, she first wondered how they would manage the financial aspect.
‘The run has lasted two years without generating any income,’ she said. ‘What will we do about this?’
‘Perhaps deep down inside, I was wishing he wouldn’t [win.] However, I was aware that he possessed the ability to triumph.’
Upon
entering office
When President Obama left office and transferred power to Trump, his reported wealth had surged to over $12 million from an initial estimate of around $1.3 million.
The duo has published their autobiographies, inked a production agreement with Netflix, and frequently take part in speaking engagements nationwide.
Michelle has now started her own podcast, and all previous U.S. presidents receive a six-figure pension once they leave office.
Between 2005, when Barack joined the Senate, to 2016, when he
departed the White House
, the pair had accumulated a sum of $20.5 million.
This encompasses Obama’s annual income of $400,000 over the course of his eight-year tenure as president.
After stepping down from office, Barack has reportedly been charging around $400,000 for each speech he delivers, whereas Michelle can earn approximately $225,000 per appearance.
Most of their wealth stems from those book deals, speaking appearances, and various real estate investments they have undertaken over the years.
The couple still own their home in Chicago’s Hyde Park which they bought for about $1.65 million in 2005 with a $1.3 million mortgage. The property is now estimated to be worth about $2.5millin.
They also purchased a sprawling 8,200-square-foot mansion in Washington, DC, for $8.1 million after leaving the White House.
The couple have also been renovating a home in Oʻahu in Hawaii since they purchased the land in 2015 which is now estimated to be worth as much as $18 million.
And in 2019, the Obamas reportedly
purchased a house in Martha’s Vineyard for $11.75 million.
While in office, presidents and their families enjoy a raft of perks, including free lodging and bills associated with upkeep, a free security detail and the use of Air Force One – the president’s plane.
However, multiple ex-First Ladies have disclosed aspects that were unexpectedly left out, which took them off guard.
During a 2018 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel, Michelle initially disclosed that food was not included.
“It’s quite surprising since nobody informs you about these things,” she stated.
‘The rent is waived, the staff is complimentary — we shouldn’t rely on the taxpayers for this.’
If a president takes time off, expenses related to security and transportation are taken care of; however, charges for lodging as well as any meals and miscellaneous items should be paid personally.
Moreover, they remain accountable for managing family costs such as purchasing toilet paper, toothpaste, and trash bags.
The ex-first lady Laura Bush stated in her memoir that it is ‘perfectly reasonable for them to cover personal expenses just as every typical American family does.’
But she said she was ‘amazed by the sheer number of designer clothes that I was expected to buy, like the women before me, to meet the expectations for a first lady.’
Any private parties held within or outside of the White House must also be paid for by the family.
Michelle’s latest revelations about life in the White House come as she and Barack
fend off rumors they’re headed for divorce
.
The couple have been
plagued by speculation since Barack attended both Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Trump’s inauguration solo back in January.
Michelle has repeatedly insisted in recent months her decision not to attend the DC events was one she
made in her own best interests
, and she was stunned to uncover the lasting consequences.
‘She stated in a podcast that the issue we face as women, and I believe this applies to all of us, is struggling with letting others down,’ she explained.
“I mean, it got to the point where this year folks were really struggling to accept that I was making decisions for myself because they automatically assumed that my husband and I must be getting divorced,”Michelle went on.
‘Isn\’t it hard to believe that this is simply a mature woman making her own choices?’
Initially, Michelle’s team stated that she was absent from Carter’s funeral because of ‘conflicts in her schedule.’
attributing her lack of presence to a previously scheduled vacation trip
in Hawaii.
Last week, during a podcast featuring entrepreneur and investor Steven Bartlett where she was promoting her new show, she once more dismissed any claims about herself and Barack being unhappy.
“If I had issues with my spouse, everyone would be aware of it,” she remarked, chuckling.
She mentioned that she’s ‘not a martyr’ and playfully discussed how she would tackle such marital issues openly.
Craig Robinson, her brother, also joined the conversation, saying, “If they had an issue, I would be hosting a podcast with him.”
Michelle recognized that marriage can be challenging for both her and the former president, yet she stated that ‘it’s worth it.’ She referred to President Obama as ‘my person,’ using a term popular among younger generations.
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