Barack Obama Opens-up About Marriage With Michelle: “I’m Trying to Dig Myself Out”

The former U.S. president made a candid confession about the toll his presidency took on his relationship with Michelle, revealing he’s still making amends post-White House.

April 5, 2025: Barack Obama Opens Up About Marriage Struggles With Michelle: “I Was in a Deep Deficit”

In a rare moment of raw honesty, former U.S. President Barack Obama admitted that his marriage to Michelle Obama endured significant strain — much of it due to the pressures of the presidency.

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Speaking at Hamilton College on Thursday, Obama, 63, said, “I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” adding with a smile, “So I’ve been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things.”

The comment came during a candid conversation with college president Steven Tepper, where Obama reflected on how two terms in the White House left him with little time for his personal life.

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This isn’t the first time Obama has acknowledged the impact politics had on his marriage. Back in 2023, he admitted it was a relief to be out of the White House, saying, “It sure helps to be out… and to have a little more time with her,” while also praising Michelle for her forgiveness.

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Michelle, 61, has also spoken about their ups and downs. In 2022, she revealed she “couldn’t stand” her husband for a full decade while raising their daughters, Malia and Sasha. “Marriage isn’t 50/50 — ever,” she said. “There are times I’m 70, he’s 30. But guess what? Ten bad years over 30 good ones? I’ll take it.”

The couple, married since 1992, have long been admired for their seemingly rock-solid bond, though they’ve been the subject of divorce rumors in recent months. Barack attended several high-profile events alone this year, prompting speculation — which sources close to the couple have denied.

“They’re not trying to act like a magical, perfect couple,” a source told Page Six. “They’re real.”

Michelle has also been vocal about ignoring the noise, telling audiences, “You cannot live through social media. A lot of this stuff is made up, and it does not feed you.”

Despite past tensions, the Obamas continue to present a united front, with Barack still working — in his words — to “dig himself out” and make up for lost time.

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