The former first lady has long been floated as a potential presidential contender, with many Americans speculating that she could one day step into the political arena.
Michelle Obama has now spoken candidly about why she has no intention of running for president, despite years of public curiosity and praise for her leadership. As a prominent public figure, she often comments on national issues, including her concerns about the Trump administration and the broader direction of the country.
Still, she has repeatedly emphasized that a presidential run is not in her plans. She first made her position clear during Barack Obama’s second term in 2016, stating: “I will not run for president. No, nope, not going to do it.”
The 61-year-old recently doubled down on that stance during a conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross at an event in Brooklyn, New York, while promoting her book The Look.
During the discussion, Obama shared why a presidential campaign is off the table for her, explaining that she believes the nation is still not prepared to fully embrace a woman as president. “As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” she said, referencing Kamala Harris’ defeat to Donald Trump. “That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running ‘cause you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman.”
She went on to elaborate, adding: “We got a lot of growing up to do and there’s still … a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman and we saw it.”
Her remarks come shortly after she opened up about one Trump-era policy that continues to deeply disturb her.
“In this current climate, for me it’s what’s happening to immigrants,” she said on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast earlier this year, explaining why the issue remains so troubling to her.
“It’s not the fear for myself anymore. I drive around in a four-car motorcade with a police escort. I’m Michelle Obama. I do still worry about my daughters in the world, even though they are somewhat recognizable.”
The former first lady, who shares daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, with Barack Obama, continued by saying: “There’s so much bias and so much racism and so much ignorance that fuels those kind of choices. I worry for people of color all over this country, and I don’t know that we will have the advocates to protect everybody.”
She added: “And that … frightens me, it keeps me up at night. How do you feel comfortable going to work, going to school, when you know that there could be people out here judging you and who could upend your life in a second – that’s who I worry for right now.”
Even though she has firmly ruled out a presidential run, Michelle Obama is almost certain to continue speaking out — remaining a powerful and influential voice on the issues that matter most to her.
