Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has opened up about the intense scrutiny she faced in the White House, describing the pressure on her and President Barack Obama as the “white hot glare” tied directly to their race.
Speaking while promoting her new book, The Look, the 61-year-old explained how she used fashion as a subtle tool of influence and communication, even as her appearance became a focal point for criticism.
In an interview with ABC News’ 20/20, Obama emphasized that expectations placed on her were unlike those faced by her predecessors.
“We were fully aware that, as the first Black couple, we couldn’t afford any missteps. And as a Black woman, I was under a particularly intense and unforgiving spotlight,” she wrote.
Obama said the pressure was unfair, adding, “We didn’t get the grace that I think some other families have gotten.”
She noted that in a politically charged environment where opponents weaponized racial narratives, even the smallest decisions carried heavy consequences. “When you’re the first, and your opponents are using your race as a fear tactic to paint you as ‘other,’ then everything matters.”
Michelle Obama said she once viewed conversations about her clothing as a distraction from her work, but now feels it’s important to reflect on what style communicates.
“Style and fashion — the way we show up — is a powerful way of sending a message. What you wear speaks to what you value,” she said.
She also addressed the belief among some designers that they “owned” the First Lady’s wardrobe choices, noting that she worked to push back against that mentality to create opportunities for others.
Obama added that women, especially in public roles, often face attacks centered on their appearance. “If someone wants to go after a woman, the first thing they target is her looks, her size — our physical being — to make us feel small.”
Despite those challenges, Obama says she is now embracing a fulfilling new chapter of life. “There’s something about being in your 60s. It’s the best time of my life now that my daughters are grown and thriving,” she said. “My husband is settled. There’s a freedom in being able to say, ‘Yes, maybe I do know a few things.’”
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