Body language expert reveals cryptic clues between Michelle and Barack Obama amid reports marriage is on the rocks

By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 17:45, 17 June 2026 | Updated: 17:47, 17 June 2026 Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's first joint TV interview in a decade sent 'strong signals' of the couple's steadfastness despite rumors their marriage is on the rocks, a body language expert claims. The couple appeared on Good Morning America and spoke with Robin Roberts ahead of the opening of his presidential library in Chicago. The 225-foot tall library dubbed the 'Obamalisk' is due to open with live performances, activities, food and art on Friday several hundred million dollars over its initial $300 million budget.  Since leaving the Oval Office, the Obamas are rarely seen together in public and appear to live almost separate lives, fueling speculation that their 34-year marriage is on the outs. However, body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that their new interview shows the Obamas are still a 'formidable power couple.' Roberts asked the former president about his time outside of the White House, Donald Trump and the impending midterm elections. James said during the interview the couple presented as a 'double act,' with their coordinating outfits and mirrored poses 'being one of the ultimate signs of like-minded thinking.' 'Their energies match, as do their rituals of mutual respect. One tie that looks to bind them forever is their mutual passion for the cause,' she said. Barack and Michelle Obama appeared on Good Morning American to promote the opening of his presidential library Since leaving the Oval Office, the Obamas are rarely seen together in public and appear to live almost separate lives, fueling speculation that their 34-year marriage is on the outs 'They are no show-ponies, though. Despite rumors and speculation, they don’t appear impelled to opt for any overkill rituals of showy, tactile togetherness, unlike many celebrity couples.  'What we are shown here though, are strong signals of their being in tune. They are still synchronized, and they share a look of calm intellect.' James added that the couple displayed several nonverbal cues to show affection. 'We don’t get the hand-holding or other tactile rituals, but there was a micro-gesture of affection from Obama when he spoke of "the two of us" and turned his gaze on Michelle’s face,' she said. 'When Michelle joked, she glanced at her husband for his response, and when he made his points, he face-checked her for collusion, too.' James added, 'They finish each other’s stories still, and when he spoke about having looked forward to a "quiet life" after the White House, he gestured to Michelle to signal that was their shared vision.' The interview comes just a month after Michelle was spotted looking thinner than ever during a dinner date with daughters Malia and Sasha, and her husband was nowhere to be seen. Obama fueled fresh doubts about the state of their union in a recent interview in the New Yorker. The former president and first lady gave their first joint interview in a decade amid rumors their marriage is strained The 225-foot tall-library dubbed the 'Obamalisk' is due to open with live performances, activities, food and art on Friday 'She wants to see her husband easing up and spending more time with her, enjoying what remains of our lives,' he had indiscreetly told the outlet. 'It does create a genuine tension in our household, and it frustrates her.' Michelle famously told a TV roundtable in 2022 that 'there were ten years where I couldn't stand my husband.' She sounded equally unenthused in an April 2025 episode of the IMO podcast she co-hosts with her older brother Craig Robinson. 'You're gonna have a bad decade,' she sighed. 'If the odds were you're going to be married to your partner for 50 years and ten of those years could be bad, you'd sign up for it. 'You know, and that's really how it works out.' Rumors of an impending split hit fever pitch when Michelle skipped out on two high-profile events that Obama attended solo in January 2025. Sources close to the former first lady said her 'visceral hatred' for President Donald Trump meant she was never going to attend his inauguration. But her no-show at Jimmy Carter's funeral was harder to explain days after she hailed his 'integrity, respect and compassion' in a joint statement with her husband. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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