Major Controversies Surrounding Michelle Obama: A Detailed Timeline

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). As the wife of Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, she championed initiatives focused on health, education, and poverty awareness. Her signature programs included 'Let's Move!' to combat childhood obesity, 'Reach Higher' to encourage higher education, and 'Let Girls Learn' to promote girls' education globally. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Obama's career included work in law, public service, and community outreach. She is a best-selling author and a prominent voice on issues of social justice and equality.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2005: Trump's audio recording

In October 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.

May 14, 2007: Criticism of Wal-Mart's Labor Policies

On May 14, 2007, Barack Obama criticized Wal-Mart's labor policies at an AFL-CIO forum. Michelle Obama was a salaried board member of TreeHouse Foods, a major Wal-Mart supplier, until shortly after her husband announced his candidacy for the presidency.

May 31, 2008: Withdrawal of Church Membership

On May 31, 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama announced that they had withdrawn their membership in Trinity United Church of Christ due to divisive statements by Reverend Wright.

2008: Trump Attempts to Revive Past Comments Obama Made

A week after Michelle Obama criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in October 2016, Trump attempted to revive past comments Obama made in regard to Hillary Clinton during the 2008 presidential election.

2008: Criticism of Focus on Fashion

In 2008, Michelle Obama faced criticism from the media for focusing more on her fashion sense than on her serious contributions and issues of concern to military and working families. Bonnie Erbé argued that Obama's publicists were emphasizing style over substance.

April 1, 2009: Obama Meets Queen Elizabeth II

On April 1, 2009, Michelle Obama met with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace. Obama embraced the Queen before attending an event with world leaders. While Obama praised the Queen, the hug sparked controversy due to it potentially being a breach of royal protocol.

April 2009: Obama's First Trip Abroad as First Lady

During Michelle Obama's first trip abroad in April 2009, she toured a cancer ward with Sarah Brown, the wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Newsweek described her first trip abroad as an exhibition of her "star power", while MSN highlighted her sartorial elegance. The Obamas' meeting with Queen Elizabeth II also garnered attention, with some American and British media outlets questioning whether Michelle Obama touching the Queen's back during a reception was a breach of royal etiquette. Palace sources, however, denied any breach occurred.

November 2013: Criticism of Michelle Obama

In November 2013, a Politico article by Michelle Cottle accused Michelle Obama of being a "feminist nightmare" for not using her position to advocate for women's issues. Cottle's critiques and the article were sharply criticized across the political spectrum.

October 2014: Rand Paul linked Michelle Obama's Twitter account when announcing on the website that he was going to Dunkin' Donuts

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.

January 2015: Obama Travels to Saudi Arabia

In January 2015, Michelle Obama traveled to Saudi Arabia with her husband following the death of King Abdullah. She faced criticism for not covering her head, a requirement for women in Saudi Arabia, but was also defended as a foreigner not bound by those customs. During the visit, King Salman did not greet or acknowledge Obama.

January 2016: Chris Christie criticized Michelle Obama's involvement with healthy eating

In January 2016, Chris Christie, Republican governor of New Jersey and presidential candidate, criticized the first lady's involvement with healthy eating while he was campaigning in Iowa, arguing that she was using the government to exercise her views on eating.