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When it comes to the Trumps and the Obamas, comparing the two can sometimes feel inevitable. They are historically adjacent first couples with two very different reputations, and each pair garners plenty of attention in its own right. How Trump and Obama talk about their wives, too, has often been at the center of attention, whether because of a recent tweet or soundbite offered in an interview. Placing these blurbs side by side only proves to highlight just how unalike both pairs are.
By virtue of being older and working in reality television, Trump has been a celebrity longer than Obama. But while Obama gained national attention later in life, there is certainly no dearth of public comments on his and wife Michelle Obama's relationship.
The Trumps, meanwhile, are a relatively new couple when compared to the Obamas, who have been married for a quarter of a century. (The Trumps have officially been married since 2005.) That being said, the very nature of the presidency requires that the two are constantly in the spotlight, and the Trumps frequently promote each other in the press. Many of Donald Trump's public comments come from tweets — the president's specialty.
Both presidents speak fondly of their wives, though often in different ways — Barack Obama praises Michelle Obama as a reliable partner, and Donald Trump frequently praises Melania Trump as a thoughtful homemaker. As evidenced by how they frame their marriages, the two are very different people.
The Love Of Barack Obama's Life
Barack Obama has often made clear that Michelle Obama is not just his wife, but also his best friend.
An Incredible Hostess
Donald Trump has described Melania Trump as a woman who is very talented at hosting other heads of state.
Obama And Michelle Obama In love
Former President Obama suggested that he placed extra value on the city of Chicago because it is where he says he remembers falling in love with his now-wife.
A Great First Lady
When discussing Melania Trump's medical procedures this spring, the president described his wife as a "great first lady."
Barack Obama: I'm A Better Man
Speaking to Vogue in 2013, Barack Obama said, "There's no doubt I'm a better man having spent time with Michelle. I would never say that Michelle's a better woman, but I will say she's a little more patient."
A Great Interview Subject
Using his Twitter account, Donald Trump frequently promotes Melania Trump's public appearances.
Michelle Obama "Upgraded" Her Husband
"Michelle’s like Beyoncé in that song, ‘Let me upgrade ya!’ She upgraded me," Barack Obama said in an interview with Vogue.
An Excellent Decorator
The president often lauds Melania Trump's ability to spruce up the White House.
A "Rock"
Back in 2011, Barack Obama told Oprah Winfrey that his wife was his "rock."
"Obviously I couldn't have done anything that I've done without Michelle," he said. "You were asking earlier what keeps me sane, what keeps me balanced, what allows me to deal with the pressure. It is this young lady right here... Not only has she been a great first lady, she is just my rock. I count on her in so many ways every single day."
A Hard-Working First Lady
Donald Trump has described his wife as supportive of his pivot to politics, and as a "hard working first lady."
"An Incredible Woman"
"Incredible speech by an incredible woman," Barack Obama tweeted after his wife delivered an address at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. "Couldn't be more proud [and] our country has been blessed to have her as FLOTUS. I love you, Michelle."
An Incredible Demeanor
Melania Trump's demeanor and ability to deliver speeches have both been commended by her husband.
Michelle Obama Is "Separate From The Silliness"
“What I value most about my marriage is that it is separate and apart from a lot of the silliness of Washington, and Michelle is not part of that silliness," Barack Obama told The New York Times back in 2009.
Anyone can see that Presidents Obama and Trump are dissimilar in many ways, and one area in which this is exceptionally clear is how they describe their spouses. While it's impossible to know for sure, their comments suggest that they each have different priorities, even in their marriages.
