The former first lady has long been mentioned as a possible future presidential candidate
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Michelle Obama has spoken openly about why she has no plans to run for president, even though many people have speculated that she could be a strong contender in a future election.
The former first lady has remained a major public figure and often shares her thoughts about the state of the country, including her responses to the Trump administration and the impact of its policies.
But despite the public interest, she has consistently said she would not enter the race. She made this clear during Barack Obama’s second term back in 2016, stating: "I will not run for president. No, nope, not going to do it."
The 61-year-old recently repeated that stance during a conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross at an event in Brooklyn, New York, where she was promoting her book The Look.
During the discussion, Obama explained why she would never run for president, saying she believes the country is still not ready to fully support a woman in the highest office.
"As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain't ready," Obama said, referencing Kamala Harris’ loss to Donald Trump. "That's why I'm like, don't even look at me about running 'cause you all are lying. You're not ready for a woman."
Michelle Obama has ruled out running for president
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She expanded on her thoughts, adding: "We got a lot of growing up to do and there's still … a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman and we saw it."
Her comments came not long after she explained one of Donald Trump’s policies that continues to trouble her deeply.
"In this current climate, for me it's what's happening to immigrants," she said while speaking on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast earlier this year, outlining why the issue weighs heavily on her mind.
"It's not the fear for myself anymore. I drive around in a four-car motorcade with a police escort. I'm Michelle Obama. I do still worry about my daughters in the world, even though they are somewhat recognizable."
The former first lady, who shares daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, with Barack Obama, continued by saying: "There's so much bias and so much racism and so much ignorance that fuels those kind of choices. I worry for people of color all over this country, and I don't know that we will have the advocates to protect everybody."
"And that … frightens me, it keeps me up at night. How do you how do you feel comfortable going to work, going to school, when you know that there could be people out here judging you and who could upend your life in a second - that's who I worry for right now."
She has been critical of the Trump administration
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Even though she has made it clear she will not run for office, it is almost certain that Michelle Obama will continue to speak out and remain an influential voice on issues that matter to her.