Former First Lady Michelle Obama is facing renewed public scrutiny after a video resurfaced online in which she discussed her personal approach to supporting minority-owned businesses — particularly in fashion. The clip, which has circulated widely on social media in recent days, has sparked debate across political and cultural lines.
In the video, Obama explains that when she discovers designers or brands she admires, she makes a conscious effort to support those owned by people of color. The remarks were made during a discussion panel composed entirely of Black women, where the conversation centered on economic empowerment and consumer awareness.
“If I hear of someone whose fashion I like, and I hear they’re a person of color, I try to make it a point to patronize them,” Obama said. She encouraged viewers to think more intentionally about their purchasing habits, asking rhetorical questions about what their wardrobes represent and whom their spending ultimately supports.
“What does our closet look like, and who’s in it?” she asked. “Who are we supporting in it?”
Obama added that consumers with the financial means to purchase luxury brands should also consider spreading their spending more broadly. “If you have the money to buy Chanel, then you have the money to buy everybody,” she said, as others on the panel nodded in agreement.
Criticism and Political Reaction
The remarks quickly drew criticism from conservative commentators and online critics, some of whom accused Obama of promoting racial exclusion in consumer choices. Supporters, however, argued that her comments were about economic inclusion rather than discrimination, noting that encouraging support for minority-owned businesses has long been a common theme in discussions about closing wealth gaps.
Several critics contrasted the reaction to Obama’s comments with how they believe similar remarks would be treated if made by a Republican figure. Some suggested that if former First Lady Melania Trump had publicly stated a preference for white-owned brands, the backlash from progressive groups and media outlets would have been swift and intense.
Trump Reposts Unsubstantiated Claims
The controversy unfolded alongside a separate political moment involving former President Donald Trump, who in December reposted a video shared by InfoWars host Alex Jones. The video claimed — without evidence — that Michelle Obama may have been involved in the use of an autopen during the final days of President Joe Biden’s administration to sign controversial pardons.
No public documentation or credible reporting has substantiated the claim. The pardons referenced included those granted to retired Gen. Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci, both frequent targets of Trump’s criticism.
Trump has repeatedly alleged that Biden relied excessively on an autopen — a mechanical device commonly used for signing official documents — to approve executive actions without proper oversight. He has since issued an executive order declaring that any autopen-signed actions not backed by proof of presidential awareness should be considered invalid.
A Night of Social Media Attacks
Beyond reposting the autopen allegation, Trump’s social media activity that evening included a wide-ranging series of attacks on political opponents and public figures.
He criticized Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), calling him “unpatriotic” for appearing in a video that reminded service members they are not obligated to follow unlawful orders. Trump also took aim at several Democratic leaders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Barack Obama, former FBI Director James Comey, and former Attorney General Eric Holder.
Some posts featured praise for allies and supporters. One video highlighted Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) applauding Trump’s agenda, accompanied by a caption describing Trump as “the greatest president to ever live.” Another seasonal post declared, “Christmas is officially great again,” alongside a still from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, the 1992 film in which Trump briefly appeared.
https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2013356579802767412
More Claims and Controversy
Trump also promoted posts accusing former Biden Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and Hunter Biden of being “secret puppet masters” behind Biden-era pardons. He labeled Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) a criminal, accused Democratic veterans critical of his military policies of being “a threat to America,” and shared a post attacking Rep. Ilhan Omar using inflammatory language.
One particularly provocative repost featured what appeared to be an AI-generated video depicting Elon Musk commenting on plans to revoke temporary legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota. The post emerged amid reports that the Treasury Department was investigating whether nonprofit organizations in the state improperly redirected taxpayer funds overseas.
By Tuesday morning, Trump’s late-night posting spree continued to dominate political discussion online. Supporters praised his confrontational style and energy, while critics accused him of amplifying misinformation and escalating divisive rhetoric.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
