Obama reflects on personal struggles with Michelle

 September 26, 2025

Former President Barack Obama recently opened up about the toll his time in the White House took on his marriage to Michelle Obama, revealing a deeply personal struggle during a public appearance.

In a candid speech during his European speaking tour, Obama addressed both his strained relationship with Michelle and his criticism of President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims linking Tylenol to autism, Fox News reported.

Obama shared these insights on Wednesday while speaking at London’s O2 Arena as part of his European tour. He acknowledged that his presidency had damaged his bond with Michelle, describing the challenges of maintaining their relationship under the intense scrutiny and pressure of public office.

Strains of Presidency on Personal Life

He admitted that the demands of his role as president eroded their connection over time. Obama used a vivid metaphor to explain his efforts to mend things, stating, “I was digging myself out of the hole I found myself in with Michelle … Now I’m at about level ground.”

Repairing the relationship has not been easy, and Obama called it a significant challenge. Public attention on their dynamic intensified when Michelle did not attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter in January. She also chose not to be present at Donald Trump’s inauguration shortly after.

These absences fueled speculation about the state of their marriage, though Obama’s recent comments suggest he is making progress. He emphasized that he feels they are now on more stable footing, a sign of hope after years of strain.

Obama Critiques Trump’s Health Claims

Shifting focus during his speech, Obama turned to a different issue, sharply criticizing President Trump for making unsupported claims about a connection between Tylenol and autism. He argued that such statements are harmful and misleading to the public.

Obama specifically highlighted the potential consequences of Trump’s remarks, noting they could cause unnecessary fear among pregnant women. He also pointed out the anxiety these claims might provoke in parents of autistic children.

He further explained that the perceived rise in autism diagnoses is often due to expanded diagnostic criteria, which helps more individuals access needed support. Obama condemned Trump’s rhetoric as “violence against the truth,” underscoring the danger of spreading misinformation on public health matters.

Details of Trump’s Controversial Statements

Obama elaborated on his concerns, stating, “We have the spectacle of my successor in the Oval Office, making broad claims around certain drugs and autism that have been continuously disproved.”

He continued, “The degree to which that undermines public health, the degree to which that can do harm to women who are pregnant, the degree to which that creates anxiety for parents who do have children who are autistic — which, by the way, itself is subject to a spectrum, and a lot of what is being trumpeted as these massive increases actually have to do with a broadening of the criteria across that spectrum so that people can actually get services and help.”

He concluded, “All of that is violence against the truth.” This strong language reflects Obama’s frustration with the potential real-world impact of such unverified assertions.

Trump Administration’s Autism Research Plans

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has promised action on autism research, announcing in April a major initiative to explore the condition’s causes. Results from this study are anticipated by September, though details remain limited. Trump previewed this at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling it a potentially groundbreaking medical revelation.

At the memorial, Trump stated, “Tomorrow we’re going to have one of the biggest announcement(s) … medically, I think, in the history of our country. I think you’re going to find it to be amazing.” His words suggest high expectations for the initiative’s impact.

In response to Trump’s Tylenol claims, Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, firmly rejected any link between acetaminophen and autism, asserting the drug’s safety for pregnant women. A Kenvue spokesperson said, “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”