Michelle Obama Says Americans Are ‘Lying’ About Wanting Her to Be President: ‘Don’t Waste My Time’

Michelle Obama believes the United States has yet to embrace the idea of a woman in the nation’s highest office — including herself.

For years, many admirers have urged the former first lady to run for president, especially after she and Barack Obama left the White House in 2017. Calls for a “Michelle 2028” bid even appeared during recent “No Kings” protests, but she continues to reject the notion.

During a Nov. 5 conversation at the Brooklyn Academy of Music with Tracee Ellis Ross while promoting her new book, The Look, Michelle noted that the country still struggles with electing a woman to lead.

“Well, as we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” she said, referencing Donald Trump’s win over Kamala Harris in 2024. She emphasized with humor and frustration, “Don’t even look at me about running … You’re not ready for a woman.”

She went on to say the country has “a lot of growing up to do,” pointing out that “there are still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman.”

Despite persistent hopes from supporters, Michelle has repeatedly dismissed speculation about a presidential future — or any political aspirations — dating back more than a decade.

When asked in 2018 on Today whether she ever wanted a career in politics, she quickly shut it down: “Absolutely not.” She added that while she cares deeply about service and impact, “politics is not my thing.”

She expressed similar sentiments even before leaving the White House. During a 2016 panel at South by Southwest moderated by Queen Latifah, she explained she would not run for president, noting her focus on daughters Sasha and Malia at the time.

Her fiery campaign speeches that year led to renewed rumors, but the stance never changed.

Barack Obama has backed her position publicly. In an October 2016 interview on SiriusXM’s Sway in the Morning, he said, “[Michelle] will never run for office,” praising her talent but noting she doesn’t have the desire to pursue elected leadership. “That’s one thing y’all can take to the bank,” he added.

Today, Michelle focuses on projects that fuel her creativity and independence, including co-authoring The Look with stylist Meredith Koop and co-hosting the podcast IMO.

Reflecting on her current chapter, she said she feels more in control of her life than ever: “My kids are grown and launched. My husband is doing just fine. This is the first time in my life that when I say and do something … these are my choices. That is freeing.”