Michelle Obama faced online backlash Friday after sharing a New Year's message on Instagram.
In the video, she wished her followers "Happy Holidays" and talked about the Obama Presidential Center’s work as 2024 ends. But her tone immediately raised eyebrows.
"Happy holidays, everyone. I know it's been a difficult few months for so many of us, and that folks are feeling a little bit anxious and uncertain," she says in the video.
She then adds, "But even during these tough times, there are plenty of reasons to stay hopeful," before highlighting Obama Foundation programs.
The video quickly sparked hundreds of comments. Some thanked her for the message and supported the Obama Foundation. But others, particularly Trump supporters, read into her words. They felt she was referring to Trump's victory when she mentioned "a difficult few months."
"Michelle, America is excited about what’s to come: a new horizon and prosperity for the nation. 2025-2029! No anxiety here," one commenter wrote.
"A difficult few years from the damage the Biden administration has caused!" another said. "Things have never looked better since Trump won the election! The people have the power!"
"We are certain it won't be worse than your husband's administration or the Biden administration," added a third. "That we are CERTAIN."
On the other side, Obama's supporters shared gratitude and positive responses. "Thank you for your message of hope," one user wrote. "It is so much needed."
Michelle Obama played a prominent role in the 2024 campaign, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. She spoke at rallies and, days before the election, called Trump a "skilled con man" who fueled anger and fear.
"We don't always get it right, but here in America, we rise more than we fall," Obama said in Norristown, Penn., on Nov. 2.
She also stressed that the country needed leaders who address systemic issues, not those who stoke fear. After the election, however, the Obamas released a statement congratulating Trump, acknowledging "this is obviously not the outcome we hoped for."
"In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won't always see eye-to-eye on everything," the statement said. "But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace – even to people with whom we deeply disagree."