Michelle Obama She sparked a wave of criticism online on Friday after she shared a New Year's message with her Instagram followers.
The former First Lady posted a video wishing her followers a “Happy Holidays” and highlighting the work of the Obama Presidential Center as 2024 comes to a close. But critics noted with dismay that her video starts off on a bad note.
“Happy Holidays, everyone,” Obama says in the video. “I know it's been a difficult few months for many of us, and that people are feeling some anxiety and uncertainty.”
“But even during these difficult times, there are many reasons to remain optimistic,” she adds, before mentioning the programs run by the Obama Foundation.
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Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaks before the arrival of Democratic presidential nominee US Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign rally at Wings Event Center on October 26, 2024, in Kalamazoo, (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Hundreds of Instagram users He commented on Obama's video within hours of it going live. While many thanked her for the message and showed support for the Obama Foundation, many supporters of President-elect Trump read Obama's comments. Their message was that she had Trump's victory in mind when she spoke of the “tough few months,” and they made their objections known.
One user replied: “Michelle, America is excited about what is to come: a new horizon and prosperity for the nation. 2025-2029! No need to worry here.”
“A tough few years for the damage the Biden administration has done!” Another commenter wrote. “Things have never looked better since Trump won the election! The people have the power! And even all these celebrities can't change that!”
A third said: “We are sure it will not be worse than your husband's administration or the Biden administration.” “We're sure.”
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Michelle Obama wished her Instagram followers “Happy Holidays” in a post-election message that said it had been a “tough few months.” (Fox News)
On the other hand, Obama's supporters expressed their gratitude for her video and shared heart emojis and other positive comments.
“Thank you for the message of hope,” one user replied. “There is a great need for this.”
The Obama family was one of the most prominent alternatives to the Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris During the 2024 campaign. Michelle Obama spoke at several rallies for Harris and gave a speech in Pennsylvania three days before the election, referring to Trump as a “slick con man” who poured gasoline “on the real pain, anger and fear of others.”
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The Obamas were among the most prominent alternatives to Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. (AP)
“We don't always get things right, but here in America, we rise more often than we fall,” Obama said in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on November 2.
In dark and difficult times, she said, the country needs leaders who “connect with people's pain and address systemic issues at their roots, not leaders who stoke our fears and focus our anger on each other.”
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But after the election, the Obamas issued a joint statement congratulating Trump on his victory, while acknowledging that “this is clearly not the outcome we had hoped for.”
“In a country as large and diverse as ours, we won't always agree on everything,” the Obamas said. “But progress requires that we extend good will and grace — even to people with whom we deeply disagree.”
