The persistent conspiracy theory falsely claiming that former First Lady Michelle Obama is transgender has resurfaced in 2025, fueled by a misleadingly edited podcast clip and renewed attention from public figures. In April, conservative influencers circulated a short video from Michelle Obama’s podcast, “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson,” suggesting she referred to herself as “a Black man.” However, fact-checkers from PolitiFact and the Times of India clarified that the clip was taken out of context; Michelle was addressing her guest, actor Marlon Wayans, acknowledging his experience as a Black man raising a transgender child .
This baseless rumor has been propagated for over a decade, often relying on digitally altered images and misrepresented quotes. For instance, a photograph of Michelle Obama was manipulated to exaggerate masculine features, a tactic previously debunked by Reuters in 2020 . Despite consistent refutations from reputable fact-checking organizations, the theory persists, often resurfacing during politically charged periods.
Experts attribute the endurance of this conspiracy theory to underlying currents of racism, sexism, and transphobia. The narrative exploits societal biases and stereotypes, casting doubt on Michelle Obama’s femininity and identity without any factual basis. As misinformation continues to spread online, it’s crucial to critically evaluate sources and rely on verified information to combat the proliferation of such harmful falsehoods.
