Rumors surrounding the marriage of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama have persisted over the years, despite their public displays of affection.

The latest wave of speculation stems from Michelle Obama's planned absence from Donald Trump's inauguration, a strained relationship with the former president, and Barack Obama’s interactions with other women, including Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, as the Daily Mail reports.

The Obamas have faced marital rumors since the early 2000s, with speculation reaching a peak in 2013. That year, the National Enquirer suggested that their marriage had dissolved due to infidelity and public arguments.

This was further fueled by reports claiming Michelle Obama had discovered her husband’s alleged affairs, leading to a tumultuous period for the couple.

One key moment that sparked further rumors was Barack Obama’s selfie with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela in December 2013. While many saw the selfie as a lighthearted moment, the image of Barack smiling next to the glamorous PM caused an uproar.

Michelle Obama’s seemingly visible unhappiness in the photos only added fuel to the fire. According to reports, the seating arrangements had to be adjusted to separate Barack and Helle, which raised more questions about their relationship.

Michelle Obama's Absence from Major Events

In the years that followed, Michelle Obama made several notable absences from public events, which added to the speculation.

A source close to Michelle Obama claimed she refuses to put on a false face, suggesting her absences from certain events are intentional. “She refuses to ‘be fake’ about her loyalties,” the source noted, contrasting Michelle’s stance with Barack Obama’s efforts to unify the nation.

Despite any public tensions, the Obamas continue to show their love for each other. In October 2023, Barack Obama posted a heartfelt message for Michelle’s birthday, declaring, “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner and friend to go through life with.” Michelle echoed the sentiment on their 32nd wedding anniversary, sharing a touching message on social media: “32 action-packed years with my honey! Through it all, thank you for always having my back, being by my side, and finding ways to make me smile. I love you, @Barack Obama.”

2023 Anniversary Photo and Jennifer Aniston Rumors

However, the whispers about their relationship continued, especially when actress Jennifer Aniston was falsely linked to Barack Obama in late 2023. A gossip magazine published a story claiming that Jennifer and Barack were having an affair, with the two allegedly living “separate lives” from their respective partners.

Jennifer Aniston quickly denied the rumors, stating on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that the story was “absolutely untrue.” “I was not mad at it,” Aniston added, addressing the media frenzy that followed. During the same segment, host Jimmy Kimmel clarified, saying, “The truth about Jen and Barack is that there's no truth?” The rumors were quickly dispelled, as Aniston confirmed that her only meeting with Barack Obama occurred in 2007 at a Hollywood gala.

Relationship Struggles Publicized

While the 2023 anniversary posts seemed to indicate a happy union, Michelle Obama has previously admitted to struggles in her marriage. In a 2022 interview, she candidly revealed that there were times during their early years together when she “couldn’t stand” her husband, particularly when their daughters were young.

Barack Obama also acknowledged their relationship challenges during a 2023 CBS interview, saying, “Let me just say this: it sure helps to be out of the White House and to have a little more time with her.” This comment highlighted how the couple had struggled to find time for each other while in the public eye, with the demands of the presidency adding strain to their personal lives.

Tensions with Donald Trump

The couple’s interactions with former President Donald Trump also became a point of contention. While Barack Obama was seen engaging in friendly conversations with Trump at the recent funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, Michelle Obama remained absent from the event. The Obamas' differing stances on Trump became evident as Michelle’s lack of public unity with him contrasted sharply with Barack’s more diplomatic approach.

Reports suggested that Michelle Obama’s absence from Carter’s funeral was due to a “scheduling conflict,” as she was reportedly on an extended holiday in Hawaii. However, her decision not to attend was not the first time Michelle had stayed away from key political events. A source close to Michelle emphasized her deliberate approach to public appearances, saying, “She's never been fake and she's never been phony. She's always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up.”

Michelle’s Deliberately Managed Public Presence

Michelle Obama’s selective appearances have fueled speculation about her true feelings toward the political landscape. Her absence at Trump’s inauguration and Carter’s funeral, combined with her refusal to align with Trump’s vision or even attend his Jan. 20 inauguration highlights her firm stance.

“She’s never been fake,” said the source, adding that Michelle’s deliberate choices about when and where she appears speak volumes. This only added to the growing narrative that the Obamas’ relationship is far more complex than it appears, especially as Barack Obama works toward unifying the nation while Michelle takes a more reserved, independent approach.

As both the Obamas navigate their public lives, the rumors surrounding their marriage continue to swirl. However, despite the controversies and speculations, the couple continues to support each other, with public declarations of love serving as a reminder of their enduring partnership.