It has become a norm in the past few weeks for X users to talk about former US First Lady Michelle Obama, with the #michelleobama trending.
With 15,100 posts made on her on Thursday, Michelle has become a social media sensation.
But why exactly is she trending?
School lunches
On Thursday, X users took to talk about Michelle following sentiments made by US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy.
During his confirmation at the Senate on Wednesday, Kennedy stated bid to ‘Make America Great Again’ was to improve nutrition in school meals.
This took several Americans to years back when Michelle attempted a similar outcome during the presidency of Barack Obama.
Back in 2010, Michelle launched the "Let's Move!" campaign, which aimed to combat childhood obesity and improve children's health, including through better nutrition in schools.
One of the key aspects of this initiative was the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which set new nutritional standards for school meals.
“We can’t just look at the problem of childhood obesity through the lens of the individual child. We have to think about the larger, societal changes that we need to make to ensure that every child has the opportunity to be healthy and to thrive,” she said then.
She emphasised that school lunches should provide healthier options, like more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and less processed foods.
Her advocacy then elicited mixed reactions from the GOP (Republican Party), particularly after the implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2010.
While some Republicans supported the goal of improving children’s health, many criticised aspects of the program, particularly the nutritional standards and the federal government's involvement in school meal programs.
Pointing this out on X, commenters called out the GOP for what they termed as double standards.
Here are some of the reactions:
“Just FYI, Michelle Obama said this 15 years ago and even introduced a whole plan to go along with it only for some people to label her “arrogant” and “out of touch” with “real Americans.”,” Kenny Dee Williams said.
Nicole tweeted, “These are the same people that crashed out when Michelle Obama wanted our kids to eat healthier. They stated it was America and they could eat whatever they wanted and the government wouldn’t be making decisions for them.”
David Saw wondered, “Michelle Obama tried to improve the school lunches for kids, but they fought back and wanted the processed crap. But now, RFK Jr.’s ideas are great?”
“Michelle Obama, a real former First Lady who graduated from two Ivy League Schools, Princeton and Harvard Law School, was vilified for suggesting and introducing healthier school lunches for children. Now, the same Republican hypocrites praise RFK Jr for identical suggestions!” Padrat said.
‘It’s funny watching all the people who called Michelle Obama a Marxist for wanting school food healthier now applauding and salivating over RFK Jr. for wanting school food healthier,” Coach D said.
Missing Trump’s inauguration
Days to January 20, 2025, the hashtag Michelle Obama resurfaced and would be the talk of X streets until and beyond the date.
She did not attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Her office confirmed on January 14, that the former first lady did not plan to attend the event.
A spokesperson did not immediately provide a reason for her absence.
"Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration," the brief statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle said.
She was the only living US First Lady to miss the ceremony.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush arrived alongside their spouses, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former first lady Laura Bush.
X users then had mixed reactions as some defended her while others criticised the move.
“A lot of people are attacking Michelle Obama for not attending Donald Trump's inauguration claiming it is the first time in 150 years. They forget that Trump and his wife did not attend Joe Biden's inauguration four years ago the double standard and racism,” X user Don Salmon said then.
“The always beautiful and elegant former first lady Michelle Obama refused to attend President Trump's inauguration. I wonder why?” James Porrazzo said.
Michelle missing Carter’s burial
On January 9, Michelle did not attend the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter.
Then, all the living former presidents and their wives were present.
Speaking to CNN, aides to Michelle said she could not make it to the ceremony due to a scheduling conflict.
Her advisers said she was in Hawaii at the time on an extended holiday vacation.
“Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former president,” Crystal Carson, a spokesperson for Michelle Obama, said in a statement.
X users united to point out their views.
“Michelle Obama was absent for the Carter Funeral and the Inauguration. I don’t think it’s a big deal but I’m wondering if everything is ok,” an X user said.
“Where’s Michelle? Barack’s better half is pulling a disappearing act. Trouble in paradise?” Liberty Paige asked.
Rumours of a looming divorce
Birthed by her missing at her husband’s side during the ceremonies, rumours have been circulated that Michelle and Obama are allegedly going through a divorce.
Amid those rumours, however, the former first couple have been sharing messages showing that they are still in good standing.
During her birthday, Barack posted a heartfelt message.
“Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama,” he wrote.
“You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humour, and grace — and you look good doing it.”
The post came with a photo of the couple holding hands at what appeared to be a celebratory dinner at Aubergine Carmel, a Michelin-starred restaurant located at L’Auberge Carmel.
Barack and Michelle sat across from each other with floral arrangements and candles in what appeared to be an intimate, wine cellar-style setting.
“I’m so lucky to be able to take on life’s adventures with you. Love you!” Obama added.
Michelle also put out a warm response to the post. “Love you, honey!”
On Wednesday, January 29, Michelle took to her Instagram announcing that The Obama Presidential Center would be honoring Hadiya Pendleton.
Pendleton, an honour roll student, was murdered in 2013 just days after performing with her majorette squad at the second inauguration of Barack Obama.
Michelle said, “[Hadiya] had an extraordinary light that will not be forgotten, and Barack and I look forward to honouring her memory”.
In a message shared directly to the centre's website, Michelle also referenced Barack as 'my husband'.
