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Daily Mail
04-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Entitled Michelle Obama is slammed for whining about food and travel costs while she lived in White House
Michelle Obama has faced backlash for complaining about the costs associated with moving into the White House when her husband Barack became president. The former First Lady appeared on the Diary of a CEO podcast on May 1, sharing new insight into her marriage as the couple fend off rumors they're headed for divorce. The Obama's estimated net worth ranges between $70 million to $135 million, making him among the richest presidents to leave office - trailing behind both Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. But Michelle noted on the podcast that this wasn't always the case, and that when they actually got into the White House, the costs could stack up quickly. 'Because it's expensive to live in the White House. Many people don't know, but much is not covered,' she said. 'You're paying for every bit of food you eat. You're not paying for housing and the staff in it but everything, even travel. 'If you're not traveling with the president, if your kids are coming on Bright Star - the First Lady's plane - we had to pay for their travel to be on the plane.' Her comments have horrified critics online who have accused her of being out of touch, given her husband's salary alone in the White House placed him among America's top 97 percent of earners. 'They have no real conception of the word 'struggle' or ever experienced any type of real-life struggles like Americans are experiencing today,' one critic wrote on X. 'Most of us have to pay for our own food & transportation in addition to rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, healthcare, etc. What makes you so special?' another asked. 'This is a really bad look and is going to fall flat if she wanted to garner sympathy. No one in America gets anything for their family for free because of their job.' When Barack initially told her he wanted to run for office, one of her initial thoughts was questioning how they could afford it. 'You're running for two years and not earning an income,' she added. 'How would we manage this? 'Maybe way in the back of my mind, I was hoping he wouldn't [win.] But I knew he had it in him, to win.' Upon entering office, the Obama's had an estimated net worth of $1.3 million. By the time Barack handed over the keys to Trump, his fortune had reportedly skyrocketed to more than $12 million. The couple have both released memoirs, signed a production deal with Netflix and are regularly engaged to participate in speaking events across the nation. Michelle has since launched her own podcast, and all former presidents earn a six-figure pension upon leaving office. Between 2005, when Barack joined the Senate, to 2016, when he departed the White House, the couple had earned a total of $20.5million. That includes Obama's salary of $400,000 annually for the eight years he served as leader. Since leaving office, Barack can - and reportedly has - charged upwards of $400,000 per speaking engagement, while Michelle can command about $225,000. The lion's share of their fortune comes from those book deals, speaking engagements and a series of property investments they've made 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. But several former First Lady's have shared details about what is not covered that caught them by surprise. Michelle first revealed that food was not covered during a 2018 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel. 'It's a little shocking, because no one tells you this stuff,' she said. 'Rent is free, staff is free - we shouldn't be mooching off of the taxpayers.' When a president goes on vacation, costs of security and travel are covered, but the bill for a hotel or any food and incidentals must be covered privately. And they're still responsible for covering household expenses like stocking up on toilet paper, toothpaste and garbage bags. Former first lady Laura Bush wrote in a memoir that it is 'more than fair that they pay for personal items like every American household.' 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 shocked to discover the enduring fallout. 'That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people,' she said on one podcast. 'I mean, so much so that this year people were, you know, they couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,' Michelle continued. 'That this couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?' At the time, Michelle's team said she missed Carter's funeral due to 'scheduling conflicts,' blaming her absence on a preplanned holiday vacation in Hawaii. And last week during the podcast with entrepreneur and investor Steven Bartlett promoting her own new show, she again swatted away any suggestion she and Barack are unhappy. 'If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it,' she said, laughing. She added that she's 'not a martyr' and joked about how she would address such marital strife publicly. Her brother Craig Robinson also chimed in, adding: 'If they were having a problem, I'd be doing a podcast with him.' Michelle acknowledged that marriage is 'hard' for her and the former president but added that 'I wouldn't trade it,' calling President Obama, 'as the young people say... my person.'
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meghan McCain slammed for calling Michelle Obama a 'negative' person: Be your dad's daughter
Meghan McCain called Michelle Obama a negative person following Michelle's rant about the high living cost of the White House. Conservative commentator Meghan McCain, the daughter of former senator John McCain, was criticized for trolling former first lady Michelle Obama after Michelle said living in the White House was costly. "It would be cool if Michelle Obama had literally anything positive to say about anything," McCain said, reacting to the viral clip of Michelle Obama's rant about the living costs of the White House . Apart from her own podcast, Michelle Obama recently appeared on several other talk shows and podcasts and spoke freely about all the speculations that were going on about her. The shows appear after her long absence in the public that stoked rumors about her marital discord, an impending divorce and Barack Obama's alleged affair with actor Jennifer Aniston. As Michelle Obama put those speculations to rest without hiding the problems her marriage with Barack has, she has recently opened up about the living costs of the White House. 'How do you raise kids in the White House? It's dangerous,' Michelle Obama said. 'As the first black potential president, we knew there would be death threats … how would we afford it? Because it's expensive to live in the White House, as many people don't know.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo 'I mean, much is not covered,' she continued. 'You're paying for every food, every bit of food that you eat, you know, you're not paying for housing and the staff in it … but everything, even travel, if you're not traveling with the president, if you're kids are coming on a Bright Star, which is the first lady's plane, we had to pay for their travel to be on the plane.' 'It is an expensive proposition, and you're running for two years and not earning an income, so all of that was in my mind, um, how would we manage this." As Meghan McCain called out Michelle, a social media user reminded her that her father use to consider the Obamas as a decent patriotic family. "Meghan, Michelle Obama built her legacy on hope, dignity, and service, values your party's leaders have systematically ridiculed. If you only hear negativity when she speaks, it says more about your filters than her message. Leadership isn't performative cheerleading, it's grounded optimism with moral clarity. Try it sometime. Your dad happens to believe that the Obamas are a decent patriotic American family. Be your dad's daughter!" the person wrote. Meghan McCain was one of the insiders who spoke about Michelle and Barack's divorce. Meghan earlier said reputable people confirmed the rumors. "I really respect Michelle Obama - but if she wants everyone to stop speculating on her marriage she shouldn't spend every episode of her podcast telling women we need to expect marriage to be a torturous hellscape with few glimpses of happiness scattered about here and there," Meghan recently commented as Michelle spoke profusely about her marriage.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Beyond the White House: What the American President pays for out of pocket
Image credits: Getty Images Former first lady of America, Michelle Obama recently appeared on " The Diary of a CEO " podcast and shared a bit about her life in the White House. One of the most viral comments in the interview is where she shared that many might not be aware of the fact that living in the White House is "expensive." "You're paying for every bit of food that you eat. If you're not travelling with the President if your kids are coming on the Bright Star, which is the first lady's plane. We had to pay for their travel to be on the plane. It is expensive" said the 61-year-old former first lady. — DineshDSouza (@DineshDSouza) But how much does the President of America have to pay out of his own pocket while residing in the White House? Find out below! Personal food and groceries Image credits: iStock On various occasions, Obama has revealed that the first family is billed for their food items and groceries. She has mentioned it in her memoir 'Becoming' and even explained a bit about it in a 2018 interview with Jimmy Kimmel, saying, 'If you say you want some exotic fruit, 'Yes, ma'am, we'll get that right away,' and then you get the bill for a peach and it's like, that was a $500 peach!?' Staff for non-official duties Image credits: iStock While the president does not have to pay for the staff in the White House, they do have to pay for non-official staff such as personal trainers, stylists, hairstylists and more. Designer clothes and dry cleaning Image credits: Getty Images All the designer garments worn by the President and the First Lady have to be paid for by them. And if a designer gifts them outfits, they have to be donated after one wear. 'I 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," wrote former First Lady Laura Bush in her memoir 'Spoken From the Heart' Additionally, the first family has to pay for their own dry cleaning, according to the CNN. Vacation expenses Image credits: Getty Images When the president and family go on a vacation, they have to pay out of pocket for their accommodation, food and incidentals during the getaway. However, the security and the expenses to and fro are paid for. Gifts and personal items Image credits: Getty Images When the president receives an official gift, it becomes government property. If they wish to retain the gift they have to purchase it at the appraised value. Additionally, according to Jennifer Capps, curator and historian at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis, when they give a dignitary a gift, they have to pay for it out of their own pocket.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Michelle Obama complains living in White House was expensive: 'You're paying for every bit of food you eat'
Michelle Obama said living in White House was costly and they had to pay for their food. Former first lady Michelle Obama got heavily trolled as a clip from her podcast, where she was seen complaining about the cost of living in the White House, went viral. In 'The Diary of a CEO' podcast, Michelle said though you don't have to pay for living in the White House, every bit of the food is on you -- prompting backlash from social media users on how out-of-touch she could be. 'How do you raise kids in the White House? It's dangerous,' Michelle Obama said. 'As the first black potential president, we knew there would be death threats … how would we afford it? Because it's expensive to live in the White House, as many people don't know.' 'I mean, much is not covered,' she continued. 'You're paying for every food, every bit of food that you eat, you know, you're not paying for housing and the staff in it … but everything, even travel, if you're not traveling with the president, if you're kids are coming on a Bright Star, which is the first lady's plane, we had to pay for their travel to be on the plane.' — NewDayForNJ (@NewDayForNJ) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Highest Earning College Majors—2025 Edition Best Paying Degrees | Search Ads Learn More Undo 'It is an expensive proposition, and you're running for two years and not earning an income, so all of that was in my mind, um, how would we manage this." People called out the entitlement and raised questions over how the net worth of the Obamas ballooned if they were struggling so much. "Barack earned $400K a year as president for eight years. The Obamas entered the White House with a net worth of $1.3 million. The Obamas are now worth around $70 million," one wrote. Right-wing commentator Megyn Kelly laughed off Michelle Obama's "struggle" and wondered how Donald Trump has been gracious to host so many people in the White House, and everyone finds it so easygoing staying at the Lincoln's bedroom and Trump asking them to have ice cream, contrary to how difficult Michelle Obama makes it look like.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dayton Metro Library hosts events for National Poetry Month
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Dayton Metro Library is celebrating National Poetry Month with a selection of programs this April. Thursday, April 3, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – 'Nikki Giovani: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of an American Icon' at the Main Library, Eichelberger Forum. A panel event which will feature live poetry, music and dancing. Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – 'An Evening with david matthews' at the Main Library, Eichelberger Forum. An exploration of his work and a conversation about its themes. Friday, April 4, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 'Preschool Storytime' at the Trotwood Branch. For kids ages 3 to 5, an introduction to poetry. Saturday, April 5, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 'National Poetry Month: Dead Poets Society' at the Southeast Branch. A screening of Dead Poets Society (Rated PG, 1989) for adults and teens. Monday, April 7, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 'Widely Read Book Club' at the Kettering-Moraine Branch. Please read the following poems for the adult book club. 'Jerusalem' by William Blake, 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 'The Emperor of Ice-Cream' by Wallace Stevens and 'Her Kind' by Anne Sexton. Wednesday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 'Coloring for Adults' at the Northwest Branch. A place to enjoy coloring and music among company. Registration is required. Thursday, April 10, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. 'Salt Painting and Poetry' at the Trotwood Branch. First through fourth grade and tweens can make art with glue, salt, and watercolors. Friday, April 11, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 'Open Mic Poetry Night' at the West Branch. Adults can register to read poetry in front of an audience. Saturday, April 12, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 'Nation Poetry Month: Bright Star' at the Southeast Branch. A screening of Bright Star (Rated PG, 2009) for teens and adults. To learn more about the events, call the Library's Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665 or click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
