Michelle Obama shuts down speculation that she is planning to run for president

Michelle Obama will not launch a bid for the White House amid rumors that the former first lady was eyeing a presidential run, according to her office.

“As former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president,” Crystal Carson, the director of communications for Obama’s office, said in a statement provided to ITK on Tuesday.

Obama supports President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, her office said. Fox News Digital has reached out to Obama’s communication team. 

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not planning to run for president, her office said Tuesday.  (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Rumors of Obama’s candidacy came as questions about Biden’s mental capacity continue to swirl. The rumors began to circulate after some Republicans floated the idea that she could replace Biden on the November ballot. 

Some political commentators said the former first lady has the best chance of beating former President Donald Trump, who is the leading candidate to secure the GOP presidential nomination. 

Biden is struggling with low poll numbers amid concerns from Republicans and some Democrats about his age and ability to lead the country. 

In 2019, Obama said there was “zero chance” she would run for president. 

Former President Barack Obama kisses his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, after they unveiled their official White House portraits during a ceremony for the unveiling in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

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“Just between us, and the readers of this magazine — there’s zero chance,” Obama told Amtrak’s magazine The National. “There are so many ways to improve this country and build a better world, and I keep doing plenty of them, from working with young people to helping families lead healthier lives. But sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office will never be one of them. It’s just not for me.”