WASHINGON, Jan 18: The Obamas have long been the subject of rumors regarding their marriage, particularly since they first came into the public eye in the early 2000s. Their relationship has been closely scrutinized throughout Barack Obama’s two terms as president, with speculation about infidelity and tension between the couple lingering throughout his presidency and beyond.

One of the most notable incidents came in 2013, when the National Enquirer reported that their more than 20-year marriage had ended due to a series of arguments reportedly fueled by accusations of infidelity. A selfie President Obama took with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, while Michelle Obama looked on less than pleased, further fueled these rumors. The photo went viral, and rumors circulated that the Obamas had even switched seats to separate the two leaders.

However, the latest developments surrounding the couple have again raised eyebrows. On Monday, Michelle Obama made a notable absence from Donald Trump’s inauguration, breaking protocol and not attending the event alongside her husband, Barack Obama. A source close to the former First Lady reportedly stated that Michelle refused to "be fake" about her loyalties, in contrast to her husband's recent attempts at "unification" with Trump. While no official explanation has been given for her absence, online speculation has swirled, with some questioning whether there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Amidst this, Barack Obama posted a heartwarming birthday tribute to Michelle on Friday, sharing a picture of the couple sitting together at a dinner table, holding hands. The post was accompanied by the message: "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!"

This may have been an attempt to counter the rumors about their relationship, reminding the public of their strong bond. However, late last year, another round of rumors emerged, with gossip magazines linking Barack Obama to actress Jennifer Aniston, 55. The claims, which suggested a romantic affair between the two, were widely dismissed. Aniston, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in October, addressed the rumors, calling the story "absolutely untrue." She said, "I was not mad at it. So, the truth about Jen and Barack is that there’s no truth?" She added that she had only met Obama once and knew Michelle better.

The 2007 Hollywood gala for Barack Obama’s budding presidential campaign is said to be the first and only time Aniston and the former president met in person. The event, which raised significant funds for Obama’s campaign, brought together a star-studded crowd, including A-listers like Tom Hanks, Eddie Murphy, and Denzel Washington. Aniston was seen smiling with Michelle Obama, who appeared happy and at ease alongside the Hollywood elite.

Despite the ongoing rumors, the Obamas have largely remained steadfast in publicly expressing their love for one another. In late 2013, the National Enquirer had also reported that Michelle had discovered her husband’s infidelity, claiming they were fighting non-stop after a photo of Obama and Helle Thorning-Schmidt went viral. Despite such claims, the Obamas have continued to show affection for each other, even sharing intimate moments with their followers.

In October, the couple celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary by sharing a photograph of themselves embracing at a museum in New York. Barack Obama wrote, "I couldn’t have asked for a better partner and friend to go through life with." Michelle echoed the sentiment, adding, "32 action-packed years with my honey! Through it all, thank you for always having my back, being by my side, and finding ways to make me smile. I love you, @BarackObama."

Despite the public displays of love, Michelle Obama has openly discussed the challenges they’ve faced in their marriage. During a 2022 panel discussion, she admitted that for a decade, when their daughters Malia and Sasha were young, she “hated” her husband for much of their marriage. In 2023, Barack Obama also spoke about their marriage struggles, acknowledging that it was helpful to have more time together after leaving the White House.

The couple’s marriage has also been under the spotlight for their differing stances on former President Donald Trump. Michelle Obama was noticeably absent from Jimmy Carter’s funeral, an event that saw Barack Obama sitting side by side with Trump. Trump himself later commented on their seemingly friendly interaction, saying, “It did look very friendly, I must say.”

However, a source told Page Six that Michelle Obama was not planning to "smooth over" her relationship with Trump, putting her at odds with her husband’s friendly display. Traditionally, former presidents and first ladies attend the inauguration of their successors, but Michelle Obama's absence was not explained as her office made no effort to clarify the situation.

It was earlier clarified that Michelle Obama had a "scheduling conflict" when she missed Jimmy Carter's funeral, as she was reportedly enjoying an extended holiday in Hawaii at the time. However, her absence from the inauguration was met with curiosity, as her office did not provide any explanation.

A source close to the former First Lady emphasized that she has never been "fake" or "phony" about her beliefs and that she had always been deliberate about her public appearances. The source added, "She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesn't have to unify around [Trump]. She doesn’t have to say anything."