‘I will not run for president’: Michelle Obama says America still not ready for a woman leader

Michelle Obama sparks debate, says America ‘isn’t ready’ for a woman president, claims US resists female leadership

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama has reignited debate over gender and leadership, stating that the United States is still not ready to elect a woman president. She made the remarks while promoting her new book, The Look, during a November 5 event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Speaking with actor Tracee Ellis Ross, later shared on Michelle Obama’s YouTube channel, the 61-year-old former first lady reflected on the 2024 election, highlighting continued resistance to female leadership.

“As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” she said. “That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not.”

Michelle Obama:

“Don't even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You're not ready for a woman. So don't waste my time. We got a lot of growing up to do.”

pic.twitter.com/9ckISDD7xw

— Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) November 15, 2025

She also dismissed speculation about her own potential candidacy, reaffirming that she has no intention of running for president. “I will not run for president. No, nope, not going to do it,” she said, echoing remarks she first made in 2016.

Obama had actively supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in her 2024 campaign, urging voters to back Harris and warning that Donald Trump posed a threat to the country. At a Michigan rally, she said, “By every measure, (Harris) has demonstrated that she's ready. … The real question is, as a country, are we ready for this moment?”

Her new book, The Look, co-authored with her longtime stylist, explores fashion, identity, and the scrutiny women in public life face.

“The Look is about more than fashion. It’s about confidence. It’s about identity. It’s about the power of authenticity,” Obama said. She noted that women in politics are often judged on appearance rather than leadership ability and hopes the book sparks reflection on how society defines beauty and success.

Despite her ongoing influence as one of the Democratic Party’s most popular and effective surrogates, Obama maintains that the U.S. is not yet ready for a woman in the Oval Office.