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Michelle Obama: 'Never, ever' running for office — says U.S. isn't ready for a woman president

02:18 AM, 11/27/2025
Michelle Obama: 'Never, ever' running for office — says U.S. isn't ready for a woman president

Michelle Obama told podcast host Jamie Kern Lima she would "never ever" reconsider her decision not to run for political office, saying the U.S. "isn't ready for a female president." She argued cultural barriers remain, including that many men are uncomfortable being led by a woman. Obama described her current phase as "planning my step aside, not my exit," and criticized recent White House East Wing renovations as prompting painful questions about shared values.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama told podcast host Jamie Kern Lima that she would "never ever" reconsider her long-standing decision not to run for political office. Her remark, posted with the podcast episode Tuesday, reinforces a pledge she has reiterated on multiple occasions.

Speaking recently at an event in New York, Obama said she believes the United States "isn't ready for a female president." She added bluntly, "That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not."

On leadership and mentoring

During her conversation with Lima, Obama described how she sees her role now: "I believe that our job as leaders is to come in, do our part, bring others up, move out of the way," she said. "This stage of my life is purposefully and mindfully planning my step aside, not my exit. ... It's the opposite of holding on to the thing. It's letting go."

"We’ve got a lot of growing up to do, and there’s still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman," she said, addressing cultural barriers that persist in American politics.

Concerns about national values

Obama also criticized renovations to the White House East Wing undertaken during the previous administration, where plans include a lavish ballroom. She said the changes left her feeling a sense of loss and prompted broader questions about shared values: "I felt a loss for us as a nation... that's not our house, that's the people's house," she said. "Who are we? What do we value? And who decides that?"

Obama has repeatedly shut down speculation that she will run for president, emphasizing instead mentorship, civic engagement and creating space for the next generation of leaders. Her comments underscore a continued focus on influence outside elected office rather than pursuing personal political power.

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