Former President Barack Obama was seen dining without his wife Michelle on Friday, April 25, 2025, reigniting discussions about their marriage. Obama, 63, was accompanied by his daughters, Sasha and Malia, at Hamasuku, a Japanese restaurant in Santa Monica, California.
The former president, wearing his wedding ring, joined his daughters at the high-end venue. The family has frequented the restaurant since 2022, as both Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, reside in Los Angeles, California.
This recent outing occurs amidst ongoing rumors about the Obamas’ 32-year marriage. Speculation began earlier this year when Michelle was absent from two major events. In January, Barack Obama attended former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Donald Trump’s inauguration without Michelle.
Michelle’s representatives explained to CNN that she had a scheduling conflict and was in Hawaii during Carter’s funeral. It was also suggested that she avoided Trump’s inauguration due to his 2024 victory over Kamala Harris, the Obamas’ preferred candidate.
Michelle has recently addressed the divorce rumors. “They couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,” Obama told Sophia Bush on the “Work in Progress” podcast. She clarified that her absences were about making independent decisions after years in public service.
At Hamilton College on April 3, Barack Obama discussed efforts to spend more quality time with Michelle since leaving the White House. He acknowledged that his presidency put a strain on their relationship and shared that he is working to plan meaningful moments together.
Despite separate appearances, Barack and Michelle continue to publicly express affection. On Valentine’s Day, Barack shared a message saying Michelle still takes his breath away after 32 years, to which Michelle responded by calling Barack her rock.
A source informed The Sun that Michelle may be planning an overseas trip. Close contacts say she seeks time for personal pursuits and goals delayed by public life, considering visits to countries like France, Italy, Greece, and Spain.
In a March episode of Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, Michelle Obama shared differing views with Barack about family size. She was content with their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, while Barack suggested a third child, a notion she casually dismissed.
Michelle and Barack also commented on their daughters’ independence. Barack mentioned that Malia chose not to use the Obama name in her film project credits, desiring the work to stand on its own.
The Obama daughters were in elementary school when their father was elected president. Today, Malia is pursuing a career in screenwriting and directing in Los Angeles, while Sasha graduated from USC in 2023. Their parents continue to reside in Washington, D.C.
While rumors about the Obamas’ marriage persist, Michelle emphasizes that her recent choices reflect personal growth. The couple, who met in 1988 at a Chicago law firm, are navigating a new phase in their 32-year relationship, balancing shared and individual pursuits.