Former U.S. President Barack Obama has revealed that his presidency negatively impacted his relationship with his wife, Michelle Obama. He disclosed that he had been in a ‘deep deficit’ with her after leaving the White House and has been actively making efforts to rectify the situation.
In a candid discussion with Bruce Springsteen on their Spotify podcast, “Renegades: Born in the USA,” Obama described how Michelle had borne the burden of their family life while he was serving as president. “There were times where I think she was frustrated or sad or angry but knew that I had Afghanistan or the financial crisis to worry about,” he said. The full discussion can be heard via this link.
Obama went on to explain that Michelle took on many responsibilities during his presidency, including caring for their daughters, Malia and Sasha, often alone. This created a situation that he has been trying to repair since ending his second term in 2017. “So I did not have the time to be the supportive husband that I wanted to be,” he stated.
The 44th president confessed that, after leaving office, he has been attempting to make amends for the time lost with his family during his tenure. However, he believes his efforts are helping to improve the situation. “We’ve been in a process of him trying to dig himself out of the hole,” he remarked.
Obama’s acknowledgment points towards the personal costs of leadership, a seldom-discussed aspect of public service. It offers insight into the experiences of those who have held the highest office in the U.S and underscores the constant strive for a balance between public and private life.
Last modified: April 5, 2025
