Reports have surfaced suggesting that former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, are navigating a challenging phase in their relationship.
Insiders claim the couple is now more like "just friends" after over three decades of marriage, with rumors of a connection between Barack and actress Jennifer Aniston adding further strain to their bond.
The speculation gained traction recently when Barack, 63, attended former President Jimmy Carter's funeral without Michelle, 61, sparking questions about their increasingly independent lives.
While the Obamas have often been viewed as a model couple, sources suggest their marriage has faced mounting pressures.
According to an insider quoted by RadarOnline.com, "The Obamas are having a tough time, there's no doubt about that. The Aniston 'affair' attention was unwanted, and Michelle felt let down by it all.
"But the reality is, they're more like friends at the moment. The spark has gone, and they're simply going through the motions."
This shift reportedly began in October 2022 when rumors linked Barack to Aniston, 55. Though Aniston herself dismissed the claims, calling them "absolutely untrue," the chatter reportedly left Michelle feeling betrayed.
Aniston clarified on a talk show, "I've met him once. I know Michelle more than him."
The couple's separate appearances at major events have further fueled speculation. Michelle's absence from Carter's funeral, where Barack sat next to President-elect Donald Trump and shared light-hearted moments, drew significant attention.
While her absence was attributed to her disdain for Trump, it also highlighted a growing pattern of independent public engagements.
Past Struggles Resurface
Michelle has previously spoken openly about the challenges in their marriage.
During a 2022 panel, she admitted there were times she "couldn't stand" Barack, particularly during the years when they were raising their daughters, Malia and Sasha.
"People think I'm being catty – it's like, there were ten years where I couldn't stand my husband," she said.
Adding to the strain are past revelations about Barack's prior relationships. In a 2017 biography by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer David Garrow, Sheila Miyoshi Jager, one of Barack's ex-girlfriends, admitted they maintained an intimate relationship even after he began dating Michelle.
Despite the rumors, the Obamas continue to focus on their shared legacy and dedication to their daughters.
Whether the claims about their relationship hold any truth remains uncertain, but the couple's high-profile status ensures public interest in their personal lives will persist.
For now, both seem committed to preserving their family's public image, even amid swirling speculation.
