Former President Barack Obama says his constant dabbling in U.S politics is causing “tension” in his marriage to Michelle Obama.

Most former U.S. presidents are rarely heard from again after leaving office. But Obama injects himself into every election to oppose President Donald Trump’s candidates.

Obama is also very active on social media and he shares his opinion about every move Trump makes.

In an interview published May 4 in The New Yorker, Obama said his constant campaigning for Democrats since leaving office is causing tension at home.

Barack and Michelle own four mansions, including a 6,000-square-foot home on Chicago’s South Side, an 8,000- square-foot mansion in Washington, D.C., and a 7,000-square-foot house in Martha’s Vineyard. There is also a spacious mansion in Obama’s native Hawaii.

The Obamas recently sold the most expensive home in Massachusetts for $37 million.

Barack regrets that he doesn’t spend much time with Michelle in any of their homes. He is concerned about the strain his politicking has put on their marriage.

Obama, 64, particularly described his TikTok appearances opposing President Trump, 79, in local and national elections. But he said “the public” calls for him to “do more” to oppose Trump.

When Obama met the President-elect for a pre-Inauguration visit in the Oval Office in January 2017, he was struck by how unschooled and unserious Trump was.

Obama said Trump seemed “indifferent” when discussing potential national security threats, and that Trump preferred to brag about the size of the crowds at his campaign rallies.

Both of Obama’s preferred presidential candidates – Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris – lost to Trump in 2016 and 2024, respectively.

Obama said rising economic inequality sparked the cynicism that lifted Trump into office. He called on different ethnic and racial groups to listen to one another and support Democratic candidates.

“We all have to try harder,” Obama said. “We all have to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do.”

The former president noted that he has no plans to sit down anytime soon: “I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all of my remaining days.”