If there’s anyone who should be preaching to the American people about humility and making ends meet, former First Lady Michelle Obama probably isn’t the best messenger. Since leaving the Oval Office, the Obamas have amassed an insane amount of wealth and are far removed from the everyday struggles of the average American.
Imagine being worth $70 million, living in mansions from Martha’s Vineyard to Hawaii, and then casually reminding folks to be wary of greed. Yeah, that’s the vibe Michelle Obama is giving off. While there’s truth in the message that we should be cautious of wealth’s trappings, it hits different coming from someone who can drop $750K for a one-hour speech.
The real irony here? Her parents’ wisdom about not taking more than you need is gold. But it’s hard not to see the disconnect when you’re sitting on four luxury properties worth more than most people’s wildest dreams
Michelle and Barack Obama own not one, not two, but four homes, including an $11.75 million Martha’s Vineyard estate, an $8.7 million beachfront paradise in Hawaii, and an $8.1 million Washington D.C. pad. Oh, and let’s not forget the Chicago home they snagged for a mere $1.65 million. That’s the kind of real estate portfolio that screams “we’re doing just fine, thanks,” yet they’re telling us to be suspicious of those who take more than they need.
The mental gymnastics required to reconcile these two realities should be an Olympic sport.
Let’s be real: most of us would faint at the thought of a $65 million payday, but for the Obamas, that’s just another Tuesday. While it’s awesome they’ve turned their story into a cash cow, it makes their humblebrag about staying grounded feel a little, well, rich. If anything, they’re proof that the American Dream is alive and well—if you can snag a few multimillion-dollar deals along the way.
There’s something particularly grating about mega-wealthy folks reminding the rest of us to be cautious about money. It’s like they’re trying to relate to us, but from their million-dollar kitchens with ocean views. Yes, we get it, money isn’t everything. But when your everyday choices include which mansion to vacation at, it’s a bit hard to take that advice seriously. Maybe the message would land better if it came from someone not living in a palatial estate.
At the end of the day, it’s not that the Obamas—or any wealthy celebs—don’t have a point about the dangers of greed. It’s just that the message gets a bit muddled when delivered from atop a mountain of cash. So, while we nod along to their advice, we can’t help but roll our eyes a little too.
