A New Year’s Instagram message from former First Lady Michelle Obama sparked heated criticism, particularly from supporters of President-elect Donald Trump. This occurred shortly ahead of Trump’s impending return to the White House, following a significant victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Obama’s video message, which lasted a minute and a half, touched on the challenging times many have faced in recent months. “I know it’s been a difficult few months for so many of us – and folks are feeling a little bit anxious and uncertain,” she said. “But even during these tough times, there are plenty of reasons to stay hopeful.”
The message was met with immediate backlash from Trump supporters. “Twenty-four more days and we are out of this nightmare you and your husband created for the American people!” commented one individual.
Another retorted: “What a joke. Trump can hopefully fix the mess your husband has gotten this country into.”
The video highlighted the work of the Obama Foundation with young global innovators and the ongoing construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois. The center, a $830 million project, will feature a museum, forum building, plaza, athletic center, and public park upon its 2025 completion.
Trump’s sweeping victory in November, earning 312 electoral votes to Harris’s 226, marked a notable deviation from pre-election polls that projected a narrow lead for Harris in pivotal states. The electoral margin is considered one of the largest in recent presidential contests.
Throughout the campaign, Michelle Obama was a significant figure, delivering over 30 speeches in support of Harris. In a key rally in Pennsylvania just days before the election, she cautioned against leaders who exploit fears and incite division. While she did not name Trump directly, she rebuked those who “wink at hate and make it normal to call somebody a bimbo, or low IQ or human scum.”
Her campaign comments were a departure from her 2016 campaign’s well-known maxim, “When they go low, we go high.” In a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania rally in October 2024, she characterized Trump as a “skilled con man” before an audience of over 25,000 supporters.
Following Trump’s election victory, Barack and Michelle Obama issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment but emphasizing the importance of national unity. They recognized the inevitability of differing opinions in America’s diverse society, but they underscored that progress relies on extending grace and goodwill to those with conflicting views.
The contentious New Year’s message garnered over 500,000 likes and 8,700 comments on Instagram. The responses were primarily divided along partisan lines, with Trump supporters celebrating his imminent return to office, while Obama’s followers commended her message of resilience and hope.
The video was released coinciding with the submission of the Obama Foundation’s final 2024 annual report, which highlighted $240 million in new donations and partnerships with 160 civic groups across 12 cities.
In Chicago, Illinois, the Presidential Center construction project continues on track and within budget. Over 300 local residents have been employed through the project’s workforce development program.
Despite the social media controversy, Obama maintains a busy public schedule with three major foundation events planned for early 2025.
