Michelle Obama recently opened up about her life after leaving the White House, reflecting on the newfound sense of freedom that came with the transition. In a candid conversation with her close friend Melinda Gates on the podcast Moments That Make Us, the former First Lady shared her thoughts on adjusting to life outside the presidential bubble.
During the podcast, Gates, the 68-year-old philanthropist and ex-wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, praised Michelle, calling herself “lucky” to have her in her life. Michelle, now 60, reciprocated the warmth, delving into the mixed emotions she felt after her family’s departure from the White House in 2017.
Michelle described it as “wonderful” to leave behind the demands of an official career, but she admitted that moving to a new home felt “odd” after eight years in the presidential residence. One of the strangest moments, she recalled, was hearing the doorbell ring at their new house. “It was strange,” she remarked, explaining that the experience was entirely new for the family, including their dogs who had never encountered a doorbell before.
The Obamas decided to stay in Washington, D.C. after Barack’s presidency ended to allow their daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, to continue their education and stay close to their friends. “I knew when Malia would want to come home for breaks she’d want to come home to her friends, so we stayed in D.C,” Michelle explained.
Reflecting on their final helicopter ride on Air Force One, Michelle shared that it felt more like a vacation than the end of an era. However, returning to a new home underscored just how different their lives had become. “It was odd,” she noted, adjusting to the simple pleasures of everyday life, like opening her own front door or sitting on the porch to enjoy the sun.
Michelle also spoke about the challenges of acclimating to a life less encumbered by security measures. Despite still having barricades and secret service, she found joy in the little things—like being able to walk into her kitchen or listen to the sounds of the neighborhood. For her, these small acts of normalcy were “huge” and marked a significant change from their time in the White House.
Reflecting on their years in the presidential residence, Michelle described them as “wonderful,” but also acknowledged how “abnormal” they were. The transition back to a more ordinary life, she admitted, was a revelation for her family, who finally realized just how “sheltered” they had been during those eight years.
The Obamas’ journey from the White House to a quieter life in Washington, D.C. offers a glimpse into the complexities of leaving behind such a public role and the challenges of finding normalcy again.