East Wing Magazine

East Wing Magazine

A ‘Wild Card’ Question Prompts Michelle Obama to Open Up About Ambition

Plus, a top aide to Jill Biden is subpoenaed and Usha Vance is 'not plotting' for first lady.

Jennifer Taylor's avatar
Jennifer Taylor
Jun 28, 2025
∙ Paid

Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaks on stage during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 20, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

This week the audience of NPR’s Wild Card with Rachel Martin may have gotten the closest explanation to what really has been simmering behind former First Lady Michelle Obama’s highly speculative absences from President Trump’s second inauguration and, before then, former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral—a desire for personal autonomy.

Those paying attention have heard before how the 61-year-old former first lady swatted down divorce rumors in a trickling of social media posts and on various podcasts including her own that she co-hosts with her brother—IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.

But this week, particular insight came when Mrs. Obama, sitting across from Martin, was asked to select from three oversized cards held and fanned in Martin’s hand. The former first lady se…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Jennifer Taylor.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Jennifer Taylor · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture