Former First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks with Jenna Bush Hager About the Demolition of the East Wing

AOL.com ^ | 11/4/2025 | Emily Burack

[simpson96]

To make room for President Donald Trump’s new ballroom, the White House’s East Wing was torn down to much criticism. Now, former First Lady Michelle Obama has weighed in on the demolition.

During a Today show interview with Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of former President George W. Bush, Obama spoke about her time as America’s first Black first lady.

“There’s pressure for every first lady,” she said. “The light was a little bit brighter because politics created an other-ness. There were some people who tried to paint everything we did as a sign that we weren’t ready, that we weren’t suited, that we weren’t American enough. And I don’t think that other families dealt with that kind of criticism. But as you know, the first lady, it’s a strange job.”

Bush Hager commented, “Well, there’s no guidebook,” and Obama replied, “There’s no guidebook,” before adding, “There’s barely a staff. Now we don’t have a building,” referring to the demolition of the East Wing. Bush Hager, laughing, said, “I know, R.I.P. the East Wing.”

[ETCM]

“There’s barely a staff. Now we don’t have a building,”

Barely? Michelle Obama had a staff of 18! And that's just HER staff in "the Office of the First Lady", not including all those who served the entire family at the residence or personal security details.

We don't have a King or Queen, thus a Royal Court and Personal Castle are not required for the spouse of a President. Our founding fathers envisioned no role for a "First Lady" beyond acting as a ceremonial hostess. Future Fist Ladies will have even more opportunity to fulfill that role in the new White House Ballroom. There are 132 rooms in the White House residence, I'm sure they could find one that could serve as the First Lady's office, not to mention numerous spaces to receive guests.

[TonyM]

Notice how they use “destruction” instead of the correct “renovation” of the East Wing?

[plain talk]

“Obama replied, “There’s no guidebook,” before adding, “There’s barely a staff. Now we don’t have a building,””

Well Michele does look like a homeless person at times.

[simpson96]

A couple of well-to-do lowlifes.

[rlmorel]

Hahahaha wasn't that great? I just had to put them together for contrast:

There is just something that captures the stupidity and ridiculousness of this manifestation of TDS displayed by the Left.

In the scene with Shelley Duvall, she has good reason to fear that axe. When it comes through the door, there is something animated, and even...predatory about it. The shape of it, with the spike coming off the back makes it look even scarier and more ominous if that is possible.

And then you compare it with the cartoon, which...salute to that cartoonist, perfectly captures the absurdity of the preoccupation and mischaracterization of the renovation of the East Wing of the White House.

[packrat35]

They will literally make a big deal out of anything President Trump does. If Biden has done this, they would be cheering it to high heavens.

[Liz]

She’s forever the victim: “The light was a little bit brighter on obama and me........some tried to paint over everything we did as a sign that ‘we weren’t ready, that we weren’t suited, that we weren’t American enough.’........I don’t think other WH families dealt with that kind of criticism.”

[ridesthemiles]

AND PORTA POTTIES-—THAT WAS COVERED UP FOR YEARS

[Flaming Conservative]

Did she chastise Ovomit for building a basketball court? I didn’t think so.

[ridesthemiles]

AND: MAMA ROBINSON-—MICHELLE’S MOMMA WAS “HIRED” TO BE A “NANNY”< ETC>< TO THE 2 GIRLS.

NO LAUNDRY CHORES
NO CLEANING CHORES
NO COOKING CHORES
NO CHAUFFEUR CHORES
LIVED IN THE WHITE HOUSE

PAID AS AN EMPLOYEE OF WHITE HOUSE———

AND SHE RECEIVED A PENSION OF OVER $90,000 FOR A FEW YEARS OF LUXURY WORK.

GRIFTERS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY——

[Republican Wildcat]

Laura and Barbara Bush weren't exactly treated well either. I remember Laura Bush being attacked as a "stepford wife" multiple times over the course of her tenture. Just did a search and this thread from right here was just one of many results attacking her as such: Letter Writer Calls Laura Bush "Stepford Wife"

Also don't recall her getting numerous magazine covers.

Michelle Obama was treated lavishly by the press and pop culture publications...no other first lady in recent memory was given such lavish treatment.

[MinorityRepublican]

[mass55th]

She should talk about demolition. That Nazi flak tower being built for her husband should be blown up.

[mfish13]

She had 20 on her staff, didn’t she??

[Republican Wildcat]

She supposedly doesn’t want or like scrutiny, so she continuously puts herself in the spotlight making controversial, inflammatory comments such as this?

[lgjhn23]

Pic is worth a thousand words...LOL
By the looks on Big Mike’s face, he could hardly wait to get him bent over..... /s

[jacknhoo]

She’s the Megan Markle of the USA.

[Revel]

From a video I saw it looked like they simply tore down a part of the building that looked like a carport on the outside edge. I could see a road leading to and from that part of the building that looked like it was intended to drive thru.

[StAntKnee]

“Michelle Obama was treated lavishly by the press and pop culture publications . . .”
_______

Spot on. Not even lavish is enough for a person with houses in Hawaii, Chicago, NYC, and Martha’s Vineyard. Plus multi-million book contracts, podcast, Netflix deal and multiple interview moments after she is far past her sell date.

NOTHING is enough for M’Obama. And never will be.

[TexasFreeper2009]

After Mooooochelle stunk it up, the whole thing needed to be torn down.