62-Year-Old Michelle Obama Says America is in a ‘Janky’ Era Under Trump, While Wearing Her Hair in Pigtails
Former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke critically about the United States during a recent episode of her “IMO” podcast, which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson. The episode featured comedian Hasan Minhaj as a guest. During the conversation, Obama described the country as going through what she called a “janky” phase, suggesting the nation is currently experiencing a rough version of itself under President Donald Trump.
Obama explained her view by saying that countries, like people, move through different stages over time. According to her, the current period represents a flawed but transitional phase that she believes is part of broader national change.
🇺🇸 Michelle Obama says the U.S. is a “janky version” right now under Trump.
Guess that’s one way to sum it up.pic.twitter.com/X2wIlCAdrZ https://t.co/gRkIFliCqy
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 10, 2026
Minhaj echoed her characterization during the discussion, agreeing that things feel unsettled and using the same term to describe the situation.
Obama argued that moments of turmoil can lead to growth and pointed to community responses to immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota as an example. She described the protests and clashes connected to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations as evidence of communities coming together. During those incidents, riots broke out and two individuals attempting to interfere with agents were shot.
She framed the reactions as a powerful example of people standing up to protect others in their communities.
Obama also said she believes Americans had become complacent during calmer periods, suggesting that people began to take the country’s institutions and freedoms for granted. In her view, the current unrest is forcing Americans to reexamine their assumptions and become more engaged.
Meanwhile, critics note that many Americans support the current administration’s immigration policies and point to record-low illegal border crossings as evidence that enforcement efforts are working. They argue that while figures like Obama criticize federal immigration authorities from positions of wealth and influence, many citizens see the results of the policies as a positive development.
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