Michelle Obama has explained why she has no plans to run for president, despite some speculation about her being a possible 2028 candidate.
The former first lady frequently shares her views on the state of the country and the operations of the Trump administration.
However, Obama has consistently dismissed the idea of a presidential bid. In 2016, during her husband Barack’s second term, she stated: “I will not run for president. No, nope, not going to do it.”
During an event in Brooklyn, New York, while promoting her new book, The Look, the 61-year-old reiterated her stance in a conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross.
Obama explained her reason for not pursuing the presidency, suggesting that Americans are not prepared for a woman in the White House.
“As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” Obama remarked, referencing Kamala Harris’ defeat by 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 continued: “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.”
Previously, Obama expressed concern over one of Trump’s policies, which she said ‘keeps her up at night’.
Speaking on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast earlier this year, she said: “In this current climate, for me it’s what’s happening to immigrants.”
“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.”
Michelle Obama, who has daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, with Barack, added: “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.
“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.”
While she may not pursue the presidency, Michelle Obama is likely to remain an influential voice in the future.