Overview

• Barack and Michelle Obama were photographed leaving The Lowell Hotel restaurant in Manhattan on May 27, marking their first public outing together in six months.
• The appearance follows months of speculation after Michelle Obama declined invitations to high-profile events, including former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Trump’s inauguration.
• On her IMO podcast and in guest interviews, Michelle Obama has emphasized her right to say no and insisted that any marital problems would be addressed publicly if they existed.
• The couple’s joint date night serves as their latest deliberate effort to reaffirm their 32-year marriage and dispel persistent divorce rumors.
• Beyond public appearances, the Obamas continue professional collaborations through their Higher Ground Netflix deal and Michelle’s new podcast with her brother, Craig Robinson.