Michelle Obama, who is currently living in Washington, DC, with her husband, is facing conservative backlash after candidly revealing that she did not experience the same emotional reaction as her husband, Barack Obama, when their daughters left home for college. Michelle’s interview has since gone viral, leading many conservatives to criticize her reaction and her parenting style.
The former first lady made the admission during the August 26 episode of her “IMO” podcast, where she was joined by Jon Stewart for a discussion about parenting and becoming an empty nester. Stewart described the experience of having children leave home as bittersweet, saying he missed the “energy and excitement” they brought to the house.
Michelle, however, had a very different response.
“I don’t miss them,” she said when Stewart asked whether she missed having her children around. “I love them. I’m going to see them tonight for dinner. I love them. But, you know, Barack cried when they went to college. I was like, ‘Bye, little… Goodbye,’” she added. The former first lady reasoned that when her daughters became independent, “Now Friday nights aren’t wracked with terror and fear about ‘where are you?!'”
She also clarified that she loved their freedom and growth. Still, the remark quickly sparked criticism online, with some social media users accusing Michelle of sounding dismissive toward motherhood and her daughters, Malia and Sasha. One viral post from Real America’s Voice even bluntly declared, “Michelle Obama hates her children.”
Obama’s take on motherhood has sparked debate
Other critics piled on the discussion. One of them also wrote that Michelle’s comments were evidence of “liberal women bashing motherhood,” while another questioned what the former first lady actually enjoys, accusing her of repeatedly criticizing her family.
Others, however, pushed back against the backlash and argued that Michelle was simply describing the very different experiences mothers and fathers can have when raising children. “When my daughter is grown up and starting a new chapter and flying the nest I won’t be sad to see her go,” one commenter wrote. “My job is to get her there.”
TikTok users were similarly divided. One commenter joked, “Michelle said ‘F them kids!’” while another wrote, “The difference between the mom and the dad.” A different user defended Michelle, saying, “You know she was a single parent. No shade to Obama because he obviously had an important job, but you know she did the bulk of the parenting. Now she has time for her.”
Michelle further explained that she had spent years deeply involved in raising Malia and Sasha and was now enjoying their independence. “I’m good,” Michelle told Stewart when he explained that parenting had provided meaning and structure to his life, saying that her schedule was great and now had more time.
Malia, 28, and Sasha, 25, have since established lives of their own. Michelle has also previously spoken warmly about their close relationship, describing her daughters as best friends who support one another.
