Michelle Obama says same 'anger' that led to husband's presidential victory is fueling Trump's MAGA movement: 'Those folks are drowning'

By JOE HUTCHISON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 02:02, 20 May 2026 | Updated: 02:02, 20 May 2026 Michelle Obama believes that the same level of discontent amongst US citizens that saw her husband elected to power is the reason President Trump is in charge. Appearing on an episode of Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso, the former First Lady was asked how emotions amongst citizens when Trump won compared to her husband Barack.  The 62-year-old said that while she was upset at the result of the election, she understood that people wanted change and someone different. 'More Americans had more of the basics, and that’s becoming less and less. And, my gosh, when you don’t have a chance and you’re doing everything you’re supposed to do - and that’s happening for people of all races, and all colors, in all parts of this country, and cities, and rural counties, and on farms, and people who are like my dad,' she said.  'That makes you angry, and it makes you susceptible to find someone to blame other than the people who are rightfully a part of the problem.  'And that’s true, that anger. I can’t look some people in the face and tell them, you have no right to be angry or to do something that maybe is against your own interest.  'That’s human nature. Many of the people who voted for my husband twice and I know that that’s how they feel. It’s like, this isn’t about anything other than, we need something different.' When asked about those who voted for her husband and Trump she added: 'You can’t just pigeonhole them and say, you just don’t care and you’re racist, or whatever you’re thinking.' The 62-year-old said that while she was upset at the result of the election she understood that people wanted change Trump walks to the podium to deliver remarks at a healthcare affordability event in Washington on 18 May 2026 Barack was just 47 when he entered the White House and 55 when he left - younger than most of his predecessors - and has remained one of the most active ex-presidents in modern memory.  He admitted recently that Michelle wants him to step back from public life so the couple can enjoy their later years together.  The former commander-in-chief said Trump's return to the White House is the reason he cannot simply walk away, and that his inability to do so has become a source of friction at home. 'It does create genuine tension in our household, and it frustrates her,' Obama told The New Yorker. 'I'm more forgiving of it, I understand why people feel that way.' He also pushed back against critics who say he isn't doing enough, arguing his continued involvement is without precedent.  'No other ex-president was the main surrogate for the party for four election cycles after they left office,' he said.  As for the public clamor for him to do still more, Obama was philosophical: 'The fact that people want me to be doing more is a good sign.' Barack was just 47 when he entered the White House and 55 when he left, the couple are seen here in 2024  Michelle and Barack are seen here alongside Trump and First Lady Melania at Trump's inauguration in 2017 Just last month, Obama was the top national figure supporting the Virginia amendment to gerrymander the state's congressional maps and give a number of currently GOP-controlled seats to Democrats. He also recently appeared alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a visit to a childcare center. Obama left a group of children in fits of giggles as he pulled a stunt on them during a visit to a childcare center in New York in April. He and Mayor Mamdani read to preschoolers and led a sing-along during the visit, and did not take questions after their appearance. 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? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.