Michelle Obama Drops Bombshell About White House Life–And It’s Not the Luxury You Think

Michelle Obama recently shed light on the lesser-known financial obligations that come with living in the White House, surprising many who assume presidential perks cover every expense. While addressing rumors about her marriage and reflecting on her time as first lady, she revealed on her podcast that the cost of living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue adds up quickly.

Obama
Michelle Obama (Photo via Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/michelleobama/?hl=en&img_index=1)

“Because it’s expensive to live in the White House. Many people don’t know, but much is not covered,” Michelle said on her podcast, “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.”

Life in the White House

The revelation has sparked conversation, with some critics calling her out of touch. However, Michelle’s remarks highlight an important, often misunderstood aspect of presidential life: while the job comes with significant privileges, it’s far from an all-expenses-paid arrangement.

“You’re paying for every bit of food you eat. You’re not paying for housing and the staff in it, but everything, even travel,” she continued. “If you’re not traveling with the president, if your kids are coming on Bright Star — the first lady’s plane — we had to pay for their travel to be on the plane.”

Although the president earns a $400,000 annual salary and receives free housing and staffing, other costs — including personal food, clothing, and private events — are billed to the first family. According to historians and former first ladies, families are responsible for groceries, dry cleaning, household items like toilet paper and soap, hairstyling services, and non-official travel. Even gifts for visiting dignitaries must be paid for out-of-pocket.

Michelle has spoken candidly about the financial strain of Barack Obama’s political rise, noting she initially worried about how they would support themselves if he left his job to run for office. “You’re running for two years and not earning an income,” she said. “How would we manage this? Maybe way in the back of my mind, I was hoping he wouldn’t [win.] But I knew he had it in him to win.”

When Barack Obama entered the White House in 2009, the couple’s net worth was estimated at $1.3 million. By the time he left office in 2017, it had jumped to over $12 million. Today, it is reportedly around $70 million and hers is estimated to be about the same, $70 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Their wealth today largely comes from book deals, speaking engagements, and a production partnership with Netflix.

Still, the expenses tied to the presidency haven’t gone unnoticed by those who’ve lived it. Former first lady Laura Bush once wrote, “There were some costs that I was not prepared for. I was amazed by the sheer number of designer clothes that I was expected to buy,” according to Reader’s Digest.

Despite the luxurious reputation of presidential life, Michelle’s comments reveals that first families often juggle more financial responsibilities than many realize. As she put it, “It’s a little shocking, because no one tells you this stuff.”

What people are saying

2 thoughts on “Michelle Obama Drops Bombshell About White House Life–And It’s Not the Luxury You Think

  1. Js says:

    So she had to pay for things like the rest of us do. How sad.

  2. Susan bird says:

    Oh so sad that they had to pay for their own necessities. How do you think us “deplorables” manage? Plus, they had an income of 6 figures!!!! People are not able to get toilet paper or even soap on welfare. Grrrrr….

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