If you spent any time on Elon Musk's X platform on Thursday, you couldn't help but notice that Jennifer Aniston was once again trending in conversations. If you investigate why this happened, you'll trace it back to a rumor that started last year but gained momentum recently, when Michelle Obama chose not to attend former President Jimmy Carter's funeral or President Donald Trump's inauguration. Barack Obama attended both events alone, reigniting conspiracy theories on social media. And so, Aniston was trending because people revived last year's rumor that she was dating the former president. Jennifer Aniston herself has previously addressed these rumors, saying she met Barack Obama only once in her life and actually knows Michelle better than she knows the former president.
Why was Michelle Obama absent from these events? According to reports, the former first lady's decision to skip Trump's inauguration ceremony stems from her refusal to put on a false smile for someone she believes poses a threat to American democracy. However, Michelle's office did not provide a reason for her absence.
This decision only added fuel to rumors that Michelle and her husband are heading toward divorce after 31 years of marriage. Michelle's absence from these two events certainly raises questions. Perhaps this is also why when Barack posted birthday wishes on social media to Michelle, who celebrated turning 61, instead of silencing the rumors, he only reignited them.
Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama. You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace – and you look good doing it. I'm so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you! pic.twitter.com/WTrvxlNVa4
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 17, 2025
"Happy birthday to the love of my life," the former president wrote on X, attaching a photo showing the couple holding hands across a large table. "You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor and grace – and you look good doing it. I'm so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you!"
In response to the not-so-intimate romantic setup, one X user replied to Obama: "I wish you both the best. But posting a picture where you're so far apart from each other and smiling somewhat artificially, might indicate that the divorce rumors are true... Anyone agree?" Another asked: "Are you separated? Her smile looks fake."
According to sources, Michelle primarily resides at their Martha's Vineyard home, while Barack's base is in Washington. A flood of reports also claimed that the former president and first lady are navigating troubled waters in their marriage. However, it's important to note that neither Barack nor Michelle have directly addressed these rumors, though speculation continues to circulate.
