A newly released Annie Leibovitz photograph of former First Lady Michelle Obama has exploded across social media, amassing hundreds of thousands of views within hours. Shared by Obama to promote a fresh edition of Leibovitz’s book Women, the portrait shows Obama in worn jeans, boots, a T-shirt, and a wide belt, her braids pulled back as she stands in what appears to be an outdoor, work-styled setting. Many outlets described the look as a “rare” glimpse of Obama dressed down, with USA Today highlighting the peaceful, windswept pose that aligns with Leibovitz’s signature approach to capturing public figures in unconventional, humanizing contexts.
The photo surfaced just as Obama again addressed speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run — and once more shut it down. Speaking with Tracee Ellis Ross on Nov. 5 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, she insisted she has no plans to enter the race, saying the country “ain’t ready” to elect a woman president. She referenced Donald Trump’s 2024 victory over Kamala Harris as evidence that Americans were not prepared to support a female candidate, emphasizing that her stance has not changed despite recurring “Michelle 2028” enthusiasm among supporters.
Obama has consistently rejected the idea of pursuing elected office, reiterating that politics “is not my thing.” She has maintained this position for well over a decade, dating back to her years in the White House and beyond, noting that she prefers to serve outside the political arena.