And speaking of norms and “understanding the assignment,” former presidents are generally expected to stay out of the day-to-day politics of their successors. They usually keep a respectful distance, avoid meddling, and let the next administration govern. Barack Obama blew through that guardrail already, launching an effort to pressure California into gerrymandering its House seats ahead of the midterms — a direct pushback against Trump’s redistricting strategy in states like Texas.
It’s not going to stop the demolition
She’s out promoting a book about White House fashion, yet somehow using every stop to gripe about the East Wing. It’s not going to stop the demolition. It’s not going to change Trump’s decision.
Dragging this out week after week doesn’t look thoughtful or principled — it just looks like petty, partisan sniping.
Michelle Obama really needs to let this go. The new ballroom is a smart, useful upgrade — and long overdue. She can either acknowledge that something positive is being built or simply return to doing what former first ladies usually do: sell books about fashion, enjoy the spotlight when she wants it, and stay out of the partisan fray.
