Michelle Obama shared her feelings of being “lost” during an appearance with Stephen Colbert, discussing the East Wing of the White House. She joined Colbert on “The Late Show” to promote her new book, “The Look,” where she delves into using fashion as a form of self-expression while serving as first lady.
Colbert mentioned President Donald Trump’s decision to tear down the East Wing to create a new ballroom, which he referred to as the “heart” of the White House. Obama reflected on the broader implications of such changes, saying, “Every family, every government has a right and a duty to maintain their homes and make improvements.” She expressed confusion about current norms and traditions that shape national identity.
She elaborated, feeling a deep sense of loss for what the East Wing represented. “There was a whole standard of norms and rules that we followed,” she noted, emphasizing that it’s crucial, as a nation, to decide which values and rules should be upheld. “I’m lost, and I hope more Americans are as well,” she added, underscoring the need to reconnect with what has been overlooked.
Obama described the East Wing as the place “where life happens,” contrasting it with the West Wing, which she felt was more about the serious, often challenging aspects of governance. “It was a place for the kids and puppies, where we could remember why we were doing this,” she explained.
Throughout the conversation, she mentioned that she and President Obama never viewed the White House as their personal residence. “It always felt like it was the people’s home,” she said, highlighting a sense of duty rather than ownership.
In a lighter moment, President Obama also appeared on NBC’s “Today with Jenna & Friends,” where he humorously remarked on the challenges of being first lady, noting that “there’s no guidebook” for the role. He pointed out the limited resources available and offered a glimpse into the less conventional aspects of their time in office.
