A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Michelle Obama.
Michelle Obama is an American attorney, author, and former First Lady of the United States (2009-2017). Married to Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, she is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. As First Lady, she championed initiatives focused on health, education, and combating childhood obesity through her 'Let's Move!' campaign. She also advocated for military families and promoted higher education access with 'Reach Higher.' Obama is considered an influential figure and role model, known for her advocacy, style, and public speaking. Post-White House, she released her bestselling memoir, 'Becoming,' and continues to be involved in various philanthropic and public service endeavors.
2005: Donald Trump's audio recording
On October 13, 2016, Michelle Obama heavily criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his statements in a 2005 audio recording during a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.
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May 14, 2007: Barack Criticized Wal-Mart Labor Policies
On May 14, 2007, Barack Obama criticized Wal-Mart's labor policies at an AFL–CIO forum in Trenton, New Jersey.
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May 31, 2008: Withdrawal from Trinity United Church of Christ
On May 31, 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama announced their withdrawal from Trinity United Church of Christ due to divisive statements from Reverend Wright.
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October 6, 2008: Interviews and controversy
On October 6, 2008, Michelle Obama was interviewed by Larry King and Jon Stewart. Also on this day, a Fox News commentator described the fist bump shared by the Obamas as a "terrorist fist jab", leading to controversy.
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2008: Media Focus on Fashion Sense
In 2008, the media was criticized for focusing more on Michelle Obama's fashion sense than her serious contributions, leading to discussions about her intended focus on issues of concern to military and working families as First Lady.
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2008: Trump's attempted revival of past comments
In October 2016, Donald Trump attempted to revive past comments Michelle Obama made regarding Hillary Clinton during the 2008 presidential election.
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April 1, 2009: Meeting with Queen Elizabeth II
On April 1, 2009, Michelle Obama met with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace. She embraced the Queen, generating some controversy for being out of protocol.
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November 2013: Criticism for not advocating for women's issues
In November 2013, a Politico article by Michelle Cottle accused Michelle Obama of being a "feminist nightmare" for not using her position and education to advocate for women's issues.
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October 2014: Rand Paul links to Michelle Obama's Twitter account
In October 2014, senator Rand Paul linked to Michelle Obama's Twitter account when announcing on the website that he was going to Dunkin' Donuts.
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January 2015: Travel to Saudi Arabia
In January 2015, Michelle Obama traveled to Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah. She received some criticism for not covering her head, although she was also defended due to her status as a foreigner.
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May 2015: Speculation about running for president
In May 2015, a Rasmussen poll found Michelle Obama had 22% of support to Hillary Clinton's 56% of winning the Democratic nomination.
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January 2016: Criticism from Chris Christie
In January 2016, Chris Christie criticized Michelle Obama's involvement with healthy eating.
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October 13, 2016: Criticism of Donald Trump
On October 13, 2016, Michelle Obama heavily criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his statements in a 2005 audio recording during a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.
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