Last living American captive in Gaza set to be released
Edan Alexander, the last living American captive being held in Gaza, is set to be released as part of ceasefire efforts.
Exiled Hamas Chief Khalil Al-Hayya said the release of the dual national from New Jersey, was jointly coordinated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, Reuters reports.
“The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed-upon manner,” Hayya added.
The office Benjamin Netanyahu said the US had informed Israel of Hamas’s intention to release Edan Alexander “as a gesture to the Americans, without conditions or anything in exchange.”
“The US has conveyed to Israel that this is expected to lead to negotiations for the release of hostages,” the statement read.
“Israel is preparing for the possibility that this effort will be implemented.”
“In accordance with Israel’s policy, the negotiations will be held under fire, based on the commitment to achieve all of the objectives of the war.”
Egypt and Qatar released a statement called it an “encouraging” step towards resuming negotiations .
A source familiar with the deal told The Independent it was a “good will” gesture after direct talks between the militant group and the US, with Hamas seizing an opportunity as the White House and the Israeli government are “not seeing eye to eye at the moment.”
It could also be a stepping stone for the further negotiations for a long term ceasefire although there was a “big mountain ahead” for a deal, the source added.
It comes as White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Israel on Monday ahead of Alexander’s release. He spoke to Alexander’s parents and notified them of Hamas’ plans, according to Axios.
Mr Witkoff is expected to try to reignite stalled negotiations for a deal between Israel and Hamas .
The largest group representing the hostages in Israel said should Edan, there must be efforts to free the remaining 58 still believed to be in Gaza. They implored President Donald Trump for help.
“Should this release be confirmed, the release of Edan Alexander must mark the beginning of a comprehensive agreement that will secure the freedom of all remaining hostages,” the statement read.
“President Trump, you’ve given the families of all the hostages hope. Please, complete your mission and bring them all home.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu must immediately fulfill the supreme moral obligation — and the demand of the vast majority of the Israeli public — to bring everyone back… No one should be left behind.”
Hamas had released 38 hostages under a ceasefire that began on January 19. In March, Israel’s military resumed its ground and aerial offensive on Gaza, abandoning the ceasefire after Hamas rejected proposals to extend the truce without ending the war.
Since then it has also imposed a total blockade on the tiny enclave, pushing its 2 million-strong population into famine like conditions.
Israeli officials said that offensive will continue until the remaining 59 hostages are freed and Gaza is demilitarised. Hamas insists it will free hostages only as part of a deal to end the war and has rejected demands to lay down its arms.
Israel launched an unprecedented bombardment of Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and saw 251 taken into Gaza in the deadliest day for Israel in its history. Edan, a serving Israeli officer, was seized from a military base where he was stationed near the Gaza border.
Since then its campaign killed more than 52,800 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and has destroyed enclave, destroying at least 60 percent of the buildings.
Trump to be gifted ‘flying palace’ Air Force One by Qatar, report says
The Trump administration is preparing to receive what is likely the most valuable gift ever given to the U.S. by a foreign government — a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet owned by Qatar’s royal family, with an estimated value of $400 million.
ABC News reports that the plane will be made available to President Donald Trump to use as the new Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office, at which point it will be transferred to the foundation responsible for the Trump presidential library.
The president has made it no secret that he is tired of waiting for Boeing to produce a new Air Force One to replace the current planes, two modified 747-200 jumbo jets known by the model number VC-25A, which date from 1990.
In February, he said he was “not happy” with the slow progress and cost overruns on the new presidential aircraft, which were ordered in 2018, during his first term.
The Wall Street Journal first reported that the federal government is hiring defense contractor L3Harris to refurbish a Boeing 747 previously used by the Qatari government. It now appears that the plane will be gifted to the U.S. next week during Trump’s first official foreign trip, barring the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome.
ABC’s reporting cites sources familiar with the arrangements.
Trump toured the plane in February when it was parked at Palm Beach International Airport. It is said to be so opulently configured that it has been referred to as a “flying palace.”
Following reports of the gift on Sunday, the Qataris pushed back, with Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché, saying in a statement: “Reports that a jet is being gifted by Qatar to the United States government during the upcoming visit of President Trump are inaccurate.”
“The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar’s Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense,” the statement said. “But the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made.”
Meanwhile, the arrangement has set off alarm bells about the legality of accepting such a valuable gift from a foreign government under the Constitution’s emoluments clause, which prohibits any government official from accepting gifts from “any King, Prince or foreign State.” Qatar is a U.S. ally and major diplomatic force in the Middle East.
Sources told ABC News that lawyers for the White House counsel’s office and the Department of Justice drafted an analysis for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that concluded it is legal for the Department of Defense to accept the aircraft as a gift and later turn it over to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
They claim it does not violate bribery laws as it is not conditioned on any official act and is not being given to an individual, but rather to the Air Force and then the Trump library.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House lawyer David Warrington said it would be “legally permissible” for the donation of the aircraft to be conditioned on transferring its ownership to Trump’s presidential library before the end of his term, and not the president, personally, the sources told the network.
They said Bondi provided a legal memorandum on the matter to the White House counsel’s office last week after her advice was sought on the legalities of the gift.
Nevertheless, Democrats and even Trump’s far-right ally Laura Loomer have condemned the reported arrangement.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on X: “Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It’s not just bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.” There were similar allegations from others on social media.
Axios reports that Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York wrote to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the acting Department of Defense inspector general, and the Office of Government Ethics requesting a probe into the matter, while the Democratic National Committee called it Trump’s “latest grift.”
Loomer also posted her disapproval: “I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him. But, I have to call a spade a spade. We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.”
“The Qataris fund the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have murdered U.S. Service Members. The same proxies that have worked with the Mexican cartels to get jihadists across our border,” she continued, pushing a far-right conspiracy theory. “This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true. And I say that as someone who would take a bullet for Trump. I’m so disappointed.”
Any aircraft used to transport the president must meet strict U.S. military specifications, and so the 13-year-old plane will initially be transferred to the Air Force for modifications.
The full scope of modifications is unknown, but existing planes include radiation shielding, a variety of communications systems, and anti-missile technology. Notably, neither the Qatari plane nor the upcoming VC-25B aircraft being built by Boeing will have the air-to-air refueling capabilities of the current presidential plane, allowing it to stay airborne essentially indefinitely and with unlimited range.
Once modified, Trump will be able to use the aircraft until no later than January 1, 2029, when it will be transferred to the library, less than three weeks before his term ends. The Air Force will pay for any costs relating to its transfer, the sources told ABC News.
Boeing estimated that the new Air Force One planes currently on order will not be ready until 2029. Trump asked Elon Musk to work with them on the project, and an updated timeline of 2027 was given, though the president was insistent that he wants a new plane this year.
Trump will make his first official foreign trip of his second term this coming week, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with the focus intended to be on “economic agreements.”
The Trump Organization, run by the president’s two eldest sons, has growing interests in the Middle East. An ethics agreement released by the company in January forbids deals with foreign governments but allows those with private companies.
Met Office issues warning for thunderstorms across large part of the UK
A yellow weather warning has been issued for thunderstorms in parts of England and Wales.
The Met Office has said the scattered storms across areas including Wales, the West Country, the Midlands and London could lead to disruption and some flooding.
More than half a month’s worth of rain could hit some areas during the warning period, from midday on Monday until 10pm.
On Sunday afternoon showers started to hit the Reading and Bristol areas, before the further thunderstorms will develop on Monday, Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said.
It comes after much of the rest of the country had seen a hot and sunny weekend.
Ms Mitchell said: “It’s another hot and humid day across the southern areas and that’s going to trigger thundery showers.
“On Monday between 20mm and 30mm of rain could fall in an hour and between 40mm and 50mm in the space of one to two hours. There’s the possibility of flooding and disruption, that’s just going to depend on those heavy showers lingering.”
Hail and localised power cuts are also a possibility within the warning area, she said.
Northern Ireland could see some potentially heavy rain on Sunday night and the north west of England and southern Scotland could see scattered showers on Monday afternoon, but the same level of impact as the warning zone is not expected.
From Tuesday onwards, the weather is forecast to turn more settled, with highs of low to mid 20s, which could mean Northern Ireland and Scotland see their hottest days of the year so far, Ms Mitchell said.
On Sunday, a 42-year-old man’s body was recovered on Sunday following searches for a swimmer who went missing in Loch Ard on Saturday, Police Scotland said.
A search was launched after the swimmer was reported missing from the loch, which is in the Trossachs National Park, at 9pm on Saturday.
Police Scotland’s diving and marine unit were involved, along with a mountain rescue team and an air support unit. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Nottingham Forest owner enters pitch to fume at manager Nuno
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis came onto the pitch to remonstrate with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after they dropped points in the race for Champions League qualification.
Forest drew 2-2 with relegated Leicester, with Facundo Buonanotte scoring the equaliser in the 81st minute, as the hosts missed the chance to move into the top-five after Chelsea’s defeat at Newcastle earlier.
While they were disappointed, the result actually confirmed Forest’s place in Europe next season, and there are still two games left to try and secure a return to the Champions League.
There were extraordinary scenes, however, as Forest owner Marinakis came down from the stands and entered the pitch at full-time. Marinakis appeared to speak angrily towards Nuno.
Marinakis later explained that his frustration was down to the “medical staff’s misjudgement” following an injury to Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi as they chased a late winner.
Awoniyi hurt his knee when he collided with the post, but Forest’s medical staff signalled that the striker was able to continue.
Nuno therefore made the decision to bring off midfielder Elliot Anderson and send on Jota Silva. Awoniyi came back on but was limping heavily and effectively left Forest down to 10 players.
Nuno looked to downplay the confrontation, however, calling it a “misunderstanding”, and Greek businessman Marinakis released a statement explaining his frustration.
“Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion” he said.
“With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game. We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.
“Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game.
“This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”
The incident was shown on Sky Sports and former defender Jamie Carragher reacted on air by telling Marinakis to “get off the pitch”, while Gary Neville described the incident as “scandalous”.
But Nuno remained diplomatic and explained to Sky Sports: “There was a confusion over the situation of (Taiwo Awoniyi). There was frustration to play 10 minutes with a player that had so much confidence and being positive that he’s going to score.
“We made the sub, then played with one man less. That causes frustration, it’s obvious… When there’s a player down, you get information about them. We got information he was okay to keep going.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have another stoppage to change him and he was not able to continue to help the team. We’re all frustrated.”
Nuno also told Match of the Day: “Football is emotions. Today there were more than 30,000 people in the ground with their own emotions.
“It was a tough moment, after the situation with [Awoniyi] we had one man less after a misunderstanding. It’s difficult to control emotions when we had so much expectation on a day like this.
“It was because of that [Awoniyi]. It was a misunderstanding, a miscommunication. I’m sorry, I cannot go much further.
“It’s based on emotions, you cannot make a big deal out of it. It happens and it will happen again. With the emotions today, it’s understandable.”
Neville, who was at Anfield was Liverpool’s game against Arsenal in the later kick-off, said Marinakis’ reaction was a “joke” after having finished 17th the year before.
“I feel compelled just to mention what the Forest owner has just done on the pitch over at the City Ground is absolutely scandalous,” Neville said.
“I was Nuno I’d be going and having a strong word with him because that is an absolute scandal.
“He’s just qualified for European competition and where that club’s been, and to be remonstrated with on the pitch in front of their own fans is an absolute joke.”
Nuno’s side looked certainties to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition at the start of April until a run of just one win in the last six which has left them in the last-chance saloon.
Chris Wood’s 20th goal of the season put them on course to beat their East Midlands rivals, after Morgan Gibbs-White earlier cancelled out Conor Coady’s opener.
But Buonanotte had the final say, which saw owner Marinakis take umbrage with his manager in unsavoury scenes at the full-time whistle.
They are no longer in charge of their own destiny as even if they win their final two games, including a final-day meeting with Chelsea, it might not be enough unless Aston Villa, Manchester City or Newcastle drop points along the way.
The result does not change anything for Leicester, who are already condemned to the drop, but denting Forest’s ambitions will be sweet.
Alexander-Arnold boos at Anfield ‘a step too far’, says Carragher
Jamie Carragher said he understood why sections of Liverpool supporters wanted to express their anger towards Trent Alexander-Arnold but added that booing players while they are on the pitch is a “step too far”.
Alexander-Arnold made his first appearance since announcing that he would be leaving his hometown club at end the of the season as a second-half substitute, replacing right back Conor Bradley.
There was a mixed reaction for the vice-captain, with some Liverpool supporters booing the 26-year-old’s every touch and others cheering as they played out a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
Former defender Carragher, who was at Liverpool for his entire career, explained on Sky Sports that fans were hurt by Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave but was disappointed to see him booed during the game.
“That’s the story of the game,” Carragher said when asked about the boos afterwards. “That’s what we will be talking about after the game and what will be on the the back pages of every newspaper.
“I’m surprised with how many [booed]. When you’re in a crowd of 60,000, there’s no doubt there are a lot of unhappy people in Liverpool with the situation. I’ve said that’s understandable.
“For me, I don’t believe any player putting on that red shirt who goes out to play for the club and win three points and to win trophies should be booed.
“I understand there’s a lot of ill-feeling. Some people outside of Liverpool don’t get that – I do. But booing one of your own players while they’re playing is not for me.”
Carragher suggested that it could be best for Alexander-Arnold to sit out the rest of the season, with Liverpool facing Brighton away next week before they lift the title at home to Crystal Palace on May 25.
“He’s choosing to leave, I don’t agree with what happened today but there shouldn’t be a send off for him,” Carragher added. [Booing him] was a step too far. Sing other players’ names don’t boo a player wearing the shirt.
“That could’ve been his last performance which might be the right thing as Liverpool don’t need a circus.
“If you are frustrated with Trent, sing Conor Bradley or Steven Gerrard’s name. Don’t boo a player as it opens you up to criticism from supporters up and down the land about Liverpool supporters.”
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said on Friday that he would not tell supporters how to feel, while his team-mate and close friend Andy Robertson said it was “not nice” to see Alexander-Arnold booed.
Liverpool supporters sang the name of Bradley, with the Northern Ireland international seen as the successor at right back, throughout the game and after Alexander-Arnold was brought on for him in the second half.
“In general and life, the good thing about living in Europe, everyone can have their opinion. That’s the same here in Liverpool,” Slot said afterwards. There was more applause for Alexander-Arnold at full time when he went to the Kop.
“There were people who were not so happy, there were people who were happy for him. They clapped for him. A few of them booed.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Towards the end, a few of them got more and more positive. But for me, it’s simple. I owe it to the team, to the fans, to play a team that can win a game of football.
“Trent showed it because he had two or three incredible balls. We were so close to winning it, partly because of him.
“For me, it’s not that difficult. And for the fans, they can have the reaction they want. I will always back my players, the ones I lead and wear the red shirt.”
Left back Robertson has played with Alexander-Arnold for his while Liverpool career, with the pair winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup together.
“There’s a lot of emotion around it,” Robertson said. “It’s crucial in these moments that I don’t tell you how to feel and you don’t tell me how to feel about it. All I can do is tell you how I feel about it.
“First of all, I’m disappointed to lose my best mate. In the game, we’ve done it all together. He’s an amazing player and person. He’s made me a better player and that comes from the bottom of my heart.
“He’s taken me to levels where I never knew existed. He kept pushing me through the good years. And he’s made a choice.
“His legacy at this club is obvious there to see. The trophies he’s won, the moments he’s had in history will always be there. It’s an emotional decision.
“For Trent, it’s not been an easy one. Of course it’s not. But he’s made the decision. It’s not nice to see a friend get booed, it wasn’t nice. But as I said, we can’t tell people how to act.
“I can’t tell you how I feel about it, I’m extremely proud of him. I love him as a player, I love him as a friend. He will be missed as one of my best friends in the game.”
Celebration villa breaks: find your perfect luxury getaway
If you’re planning a milestone birthday, a big anniversary, or a long-awaited reunion, a villa holiday is hard to beat. Imagine clinking glasses on a rooftop terrace at sunset or gathering loved ones around a candlelit garden table for a leisurely dinner under the night sky.
These special occasions deserve much more than booking out a busy hotel, and nothing beats having your own sun-drenched sanctuary where you have the space and privacy to celebrate in style. Whether you’re heading to Marrakech in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, to the rolling hills of Tuscany, or a tropical oasis further afield, Villas are the perfect home-away-from-home for celebrating something, or someone, special.
CV Villas’ luxurious ABOVE collection offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments – think breathtaking settings, total privacy, and the kind of comfort and space that makes everyone feel at home. All come with stunning interiors, sweeping views as far as the eye can see, and enviable locations in some of the world’s most sought-after spots. Each villa is hand-picked by dedicated CV Villa specialists, who are experts in helping people craft their dream getaway. Many come with their own infinity pools, breathtaking views and large alfresco dining areas, perfect for spending quality time together during life’s most important moments. Villas aren’t just places to stay, they’re a big part of the celebration itself.
From the moment you book your stay to your arrival back home, the CV Villas Concierge team is there to make everything as seamless and stress-free as possible. They are dedicated to looking after you and your party before and throughout your holiday so that you can focus on the things that really matter, like spending quality time together and celebrating without having to worry about the minor details. The team tailors each trip to exactly what you’re after, whether you’re looking to book a private boat day or need to organise a surprise celebration dinner, nothing is too much trouble. Many of the five-star villas even come with their own butlers and chefs so that you can be waited on hand and foot during your special getaway.
ABOVE villas are the epitome of luxury and come with designer interiors, infinity pools boasting panoramic ocean views, and terraces made for golden hour cocktails – properties with serious star quality. What’s more, they’re located all around the world, from the sun-soaked shores of Spain and Greece to the palm-fringed beaches of far-flung Sri Lanka and beyond.
Sampling delicious local food is a big part of a holiday, but catering for a large group can often mean juggling different requests and palates. Luckily for you, many of these luxury villas come with their very own in-villa chefs – perfect for when you’d rather toast the moment with a glass of fizz than spend time flapping around in the kitchen. Instead, let your chef whip up multi-course meals morning till night, using the freshest local produce, all based on your personal tastes and dietary requirements, before tucking into it alfresco under the undisturbed starry night sky.
The little luxuries make a big difference to a bucket-list trip: daily housekeeping to keep things spic and span, spa treatments for when you need a little R&R, wine tastings for the adults, yoga sessions with epic views, and even round-the-clock babysitting. All of this can be arranged to make your stay feel even more indulgent.
Maison Emilion, France
This rustic French villa is practically made for wine lovers, aptly located amidst the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux. This six-bedroom hilltop hangout boasts views of the working vineyards from every angle, including from the heated pool and surrounding sunbeds. Wander into the nearby village of Saint-Émilion, then enjoy the included wine-tasting experience before settling into the garden for dinner with nothing but the glow of flickering candlelight and the moonlit sky.
Oleander, Corfu
It doesn’t get much more luxurious than Oleander in Corfu, a five-bedroom villa overlooking Avlaki Bay and the picturesque town of Kassiopi. It’s located high above the Ionian Sea and is the ideal villa for memorable summer celebrations. Soak up the sunshine from the infinity pool while enjoying views of Albania’s craggy Ceraunian Mountains, or hang out on the wrap-around terraces and communal outside dining areas. During peak season at Oleander, chef service is also included, so you can enjoy meals with your loved ones without even having to leave the villa.
Spirit of Son Fuster, Mallorca
Spirit of Son Fuster in Mallorca is hard to beat for large groups and multigenerational stays. This five-star bolthole is set in a stunning natural landscape at the foot of the Alaro twin mountains, right near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana, and is as secluded as it gets. This gorgeous 14th-century manor house sleeps twenty people across ten bedrooms and even has its own on-site spa and hammam where everyone can enjoy treatments in the dedicated treatment rooms. There’s even a private cinema room for movie nights and a well-stocked wine cellar filled with local vintage wines.
Masseria Giardini, Puglia
Masseria Giardini in Puglia is the height of luxury and the perfect home-away-from-home for families and large groups. It was built in 1750 and is surrounded by leafy olive groves and landscaped gardens curated by Chelsea Flower Show winners Urquhart & Hunt. Enjoy unparalleled views of the Canale Di Pirro Valley from this ten-bedroom farmhouse and spend days lazing around in the heated pool. This villa is an architectural masterpiece, with signature stone domed roofs and hand-carved stone baths in five of the ten bedrooms.
For more travel information and inspiration and to book your perfect villa getaway, visit CV Villas
Trump vows to resolve Kashmir dispute after ceasefire holds
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan appears to be holding more than 24 hours after explosions rocked Kashmir just hours after the truce was announced.
The nuclear-armed countries accused each other of breaking the deal on Saturday evening after blasts were heard over the cities of Jammu and Srinagar, India-administered Kashmir, and the western state of Gujarat.
US president Donald Trump announced the ceasefire at around 5pm India time, with explosions and projectiles seen over Kashmir at around 7.45pm.
Srinagar residents felt “like the city was being bombed”, The Independent producer Mohammad Dawood reported from the ground.
Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri accused Pakistan of breaching the ceasefire after the blasts. Pakistan rejected the claim and accused India of firing first.
But almost a day later, no more alleged violations have been reported. Mr Trump praised the “powerful leadership of India and Pakistan” for “stopping the aggression”.
“Millions of good and innocent people could have died!” he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions.”
The reinvention of Michelle Obama and her quest for stealth power
First, there was the speech at the Democratic convention last August when she was supposed to warm up the audience for her husband, Barack – but ended up stealing the show. Then came conspicuous absences at Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration. And in recent weeks, there have been a string of high-profile – and searingly honest – podcast interviews.
Michelle Obama is very consciously reconfiguring her image. But it is less former first lady, more woman on her own terms. The straightened bob, neutral manicure and demure dresses of the White House years are gone, replaced with long braids, bright pointy nails and some fierce styling. More significantly, while she’s shut down any ideas of a political future, she looks more powerful than ever.
The former first lady is now signalling a new – and very focused – desire to create a different kind of change by leaning into the huge bank of soft power she’s amassed. And cleverly, instead of playing the game, she is changing the rules – and this will be power on her terms, which feels authentic and true to her spirit.
It started in early March with the launch of her new IMO podcast, hosted with her brother Craig Robinson. The siblings’ mission? To use the podcast space to create connection instead of the division that’s currently riddling the US.
“There is no single way to deal with the challenges we may be facing – whether it’s family, faith, or our personal relationships – but taking the time to open up and talk about these issues can provide hope,” Michelle said.
Robinson, whose career at the top level of basketball coaching has schooled him in the art of mentorship, also spoke of the siblings’ hope that the podcast “sparks new ideas, new perspectives, and creates the connection we could all use right now”.
For years, rumours swirled that the former first lady might follow in Hillary Clinton’s footsteps and launch her own political career. She’s a talented orator after all and has built a significant connection with the public since stepping into the world spotlight when Barack became president in 2009. With 57 million followers on Instagram, Michelle’s social media influence now dwarfs her husband’s and her 2018 memoir Becoming was a global bestseller. Most aspirant politicians could only dream of a base like this to build on.
But Michelle has shut down speculation before and did so again within a week of the first IMO episode.
“I was so glad when we got out of the White House,” she said to Kylie Kelce on the Not Gonna Lie podcast, before later adding: “So when people ask me would I ever run, the answer is no.”
Soon, she was being interviewed again – this time on Sophia Bush’s podcast, where she both dismissed gossip that her marriage was in trouble because she hadn’t attended recent high-profile political moments with Barack, and also signalled that she was no longer going to play one half of a double act.
“That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with, like disappointing people,” she said. “I mean so much so that this year people were, they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing, you know? This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions herself, right?
“But that’s what society does to us. We start actually, finally going, ‘What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?’ And if it doesn’t fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labelled as something negative and horrible.”
Earlier this week, Michelle made headlines again when she appeared on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast and spoke about going into therapy to navigate a “whole other phase in life” now her daughters, Malia, 26 and Sasha, 23, are adults.
“I’m an empty nester,” she said. “Now, for the first time, as I’ve said before, every choice that I’m making is completely mine now. I don’t have the excuse of, ‘Well, my kids need this, or my husband needs that, or the country needs that.’ So, how do I think about this next phase?”
For many years, Michelle followed the familiar path of political wives and was identified with her role as a mother and champion of children – known as “head mom in chief” to her daughters, she was also involved in several early years’ initiatives during her time in the White House, including programmes to tackle childhood obesity and open up educational opportunities for girls.
But Becoming certainly wove philosophical and intellectual ideas into her personal story, and the publication of her second book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, in 2022 leaned even more into a philosophy of self-help and motivation.
But the message was intermittent. After 10 episodes of The Light Podcast were released, a six-month break was followed by two more in early 2024, and then Michelle went quiet again.
Meanwhile, the output of Higher Ground, the production company she and Barack set up post White House, was carving a hugely successful path. Instead of preaching, however, the couple were finding ways to be clever about communicating their values, but also entertaining and playful about heavyweight subjects. After signing a first-look deal with Netflix, projects have leaned into everything from the breakdown of social order to increasing visibility for older people – women in particular.
Apocalyptic thriller Leave the World Behind starred Julia Roberts and had 121 million views in a little over three weeks after it was released. The Later Daters took the youth-oriented tropes of reality TV romance shows and turned them on their head to focus sensitively – and entertainingly – on older participants. Michelle Obama seems to want to leave the polarised world of explicit political messaging behind and explore topics in a more nuanced – and joyful – way.
She’s also clearly ready to develop her own voice.
“Going through therapy is getting me to look at the fact that maybe finally I’m good enough,” she said when she interviewed Taraji P Henson for IMO last month.
Admitting self-doubt, embracing self-acceptance and being refreshingly honest about struggles in her marriage – Michelle once admitted she “couldn’t stand” her husband during their daughters’ early years because the mental and practical load felt so unequal – she has long been known for her authenticity and honesty.
But the launch of IMO and her recent interviews have seen her drive home a repeated message of self-actualisation and emotional rawness. As well as articulating her sense of a new era in her life, Obama has talked about everything from marrying a man who was “not financially sound” – Barack and she were young lawyers when they first met – to the profound emotional shift triggered by her mother’s death last year.
So, is there a plan behind it all?
Maybe. Oprah Winfrey is a treasured friend who threw Michelle’s 50th birthday party on her estate, and it could certainly be that the former first lady is being intentional about leveraging a similar kind of soft cultural power to create a more hopeful world.
“She’s built an incredible brand,” says Jennifer Holloway, a branding expert and author who’s worked with clients including Apple and Microsoft. “And what makes it so powerful is that she’s done it organically by being consistent and true to who she is. And it’s interesting that she’s now being more vocal in a way that perhaps she couldn’t before.
“She has a very profound effect. She gives people hope. And I think that’s very much her brand – it’s about fulfilling your own potential. Her key ability is to inspire others by being true to who she is, and honest about the challenges. She’s identifiable. And that is incredibly powerful.”
Whether Michelle has an end game in mind for her recent moves to claim her own space, on her own terms, remains to be seen. But in the past, she’s written about “the kind of volcanic clarity that comes when you speak from the absolute centre of your being”.
It’s also certain that after spending years in politics, she’s learned some lessons along the way.
And, as fellow democrat Franklin D Roosevelt once said: “In politics, nothing happens by chance. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.” And in the words of Michelle Obama: “When they go low, we go high.”