For Michelle Obama, her time in the White House, mostly covered by American taxpayers, wasn’t enough. In a recent podcast on May 1, she expressed a rather surprising complaint—that she and her two daughters often had to foot the bill for meals and trips when they weren’t traveling with then-President Barack Obama.
“How do you raise a child in the White House? That’s dangerous,” she remarked, referring to the heightened risks they faced. “As the first black potential president, we knew there was a death threat… how can we afford it? Living in the White House is expensive; a lot of people don’t realize this.”
She went on to mention, “A lot isn’t covered. You pay for all the food you eat. While housing and staff are provided, if you’re not traveling with the president, then you’re responsible for your own travel costs.”
It’s important to note that concerns about her husband earning $400,000 annually during his presidency seem misplaced, especially given the lucrative opportunities that awaited them post-office. They had publication deals, podcast partnerships, and speaking engagements lined up. While everyday expenses are a reality, one might wonder about Michelle’s claim of struggle when they were indeed poised for financial success after their two terms.
Despite the challenges, there’s a silver lining. When they left the Oval Office, estimates of their net assets ranged from $1.3 million to $1.8 million. Since then, they’ve reportedly earned tens of millions from various ventures, bringing their current worth to at least $70 million.
This situation encapsulates why some Democrats might wish to distance themselves from the Obamas. The disconnect is palpable, considering their reality contrasts sharply with the everyday lives of ordinary Americans, who often can’t relate to such wealth.
