Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
The US Sun
Michelle Obama’s controversial moments from ‘ruining’ school lunch to sleeveless dress as she takes stage at 2024 DNC
By Charlotte Maracina,
4 hours ago
FORMER First Lady Michelle Obama may be beloved among many, but the bestselling author has been involved in heavy controversy several times in the past.
From commenting on her patriotism to going sleeveless for serious business occasions, Michelle ‘s actions have drawn many Americans’ ire.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has faced tons of backlash over the years AFP The bestselling author most notably received criticism for her sleeveless dresses AFP Michelle also faced criticism for her comments about the country and school lunch initiatives Getty
The Chicago native experienced her first quarrel with the American people when she hinted at her dissatisfaction with the country back in 2008.
When her husband, Barack Obama , was running for his first term as president, Michelle said the country’s support for his presidency was the first time she was proud of her country.
“For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country — and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change,” Michelle said during a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin .
Her comments sparked outrage throughout the country, with many major GOP politicians blasting her speech.
“I don’t know about you, if you heard those words earlier. I’m very proud of my country,” Cindy McCain, wife of 2008 GOP candidate John McCain, ABC News reported.
Conservative writer for the National Review, Jim Geraghty, said Michelle’s comment was “strikingly ungracious.”
The future president defended his wife during a radio show later that month.
“What she meant was, this is the first time that she’s been proud of the politics of America,” he said.
“She has seen large numbers of people get involved in the process, and she’s encouraged.”
The former attorney’s controversial actions doesn’t stop there.
RIGHT TO BARE ARMS
In 2009, critics slammed the then-first lady for wearing a sleeveless dress during a winter business occasion.
As the Obama administration was just beginning, Michelle was caught wearing a long black sleeveless dress designed by Michael Kors in her first official photo as first lady.
The photo, taken in February 2009, shows her toned bare arms. Michelle was also seen wearing a sleeveless purple dress during Barack Obama’s first congressional address.
“One reader summed it up better than most of them,” Chicago Tribune style reporter Wendy Donahue wrote.
Michelle's controversial statement
During a 2008 rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Michelle Obama made a comment that sparked major backlash.
“People in this country are ready for change and hungry for a different kind of politics and … for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback,” she said.
“She talked about how the season is winter, the occasion was business and a sleeveless dress was the wrong style at the wrong time.”
“Most of the complaints centered on the dress conveying a sense of informality on a serious occasion,” Donahue continued.
“She’s kind of faced some criticism for that in the past where people have said maybe [her clothing is] distracting from the central point, from what is going on.”
RUINING LUNCHTIME
During Barack’s second term as president, Michelle received a wave of criticism for her efforts to improve school lunches.
In 2014, schoolchildren across the country were posting their meals on Twitter with the accompanying hashtag #ThanksMichelleObama.
One student tweeted a photo of an unidentifiable brown lunch meal meant to be baked beans with the sarcastic caption, “Yum school lunches #ThanksMichelleObama.”
The post received dozens of comments, with one user writing, “I’ve been looking at this for a minute and still can’t tell what it is lol!”
In 2012, the First Lady was a key player in implementing new health standards for school lunches.
However, her efforts to help improve school lunches caused students to complain and didn’t seem to do much at the time.
The Wall Street Journal reported on a 2014 study conducted by Harvard which found 60% of vegetables and 40% of fresh fruit are thrown away.
Michelle’s team was more than aware of the students’ negative opinions on the new lunches, but they blamed the school districts for the unappealing-looking meals.
“We’ve seen the photos being tweeted,” Sam Kass, executive director of Let’s Move! and senior policy adviser for Nutrition told The Wall Street Journal.
“But we don’t dictate the food that schools serve — school districts do.”
BACK IN THE GAME
Although the Obamas haven’t been in office in almost a decade, the duo have remained very vocal in the political arena.
Michelle is expected to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday.
“There is no doubt in our mind that Kamala Harris has exactly what it takes to win this election and deliver for the American people,” the couple wrote in a statement.
“At a time when the stakes have never been higher, she gives us all reason to hope.”
DNC night two schedule
The theme for Tuesday night’s DNC is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.” The convention will begin at 5:30 pm Central, or 6:30 pm Eastern.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Most Popular
Comments / 0