Rumors of a potential divorce between former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have resurfaced, this time amplified by conservative commentator Meghan McCain and Puck senior political correspondent Tara Palmeri during a discussion on McCain’s podcast.
Their comments, which allude to whispers circulating among “serious journalists” and political insiders, have added fuel to the fire of speculation about the state of the Obamas’ marriage.
McCain kicked off the conversation with an unvarnished declaration: “Fast and furious loud, I have been hearing this rumor that the Obamas are getting a divorce by reputable people. I’m not talking about TMZ… I’m talking about very serious journalists.” Palmeri, who agreed that the rumors have been circulating for some time, hinted that the couple has been living “separate lives” for years, a claim that has followed the former first couple since their White House years.
One of the touchpoints for these rumors appears to be Michelle Obama’s conspicuous absence from public appearances, including President Joe Biden’s inauguration, which Palmeri suggested could be interpreted as “another act of resistance.”
McCain and Palmeri also dissected a recent Instagram post the couple shared on their anniversary, with McCain calling the photo of Michelle “a very weird photo” that didn’t do justice to her natural beauty. The choice of such an image, McCain speculated, might have added more fuel to the rumor mill.
The conversation ventured into broader speculation, with Palmeri noting that staged public displays of affection or anniversary posts are often used by high-profile couples as a prelude to announcing separations.
She pointed out that many of her sources for the Obama divorce rumors are “very political,” suggesting that any friction between the former first couple could also be viewed through the lens of political strategy.
Palmeri even hinted that Barack Obama’s alleged behind-the-scenes role in orchestrating President Joe Biden’s decline in favor of other Democratic leadership has eroded goodwill toward him in some circles.
The claims are, of course, unverified, but they play into long-standing narratives about Michelle Obama’s aversion to politics and public life. “She’s always hated politics! She did not really like being First Lady,” Palmeri remarked, casting doubt on Michelle’s enthusiasm for continuing to be tied to the public spotlight that her husband has always embraced.
