...
By Megan Cartwright
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Former first lady Michelle Obama spoke out about President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs during the newest episode of her podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.
Newsweek reached out to Trump's representative via email for comment on Thursday.
The Context
Trump has imposed tariffs on many countries in an attempt to boost American manufacturing while targeting trade injustices.
Read More on Entertainment
What To Know
On Wednesday's episode of IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson—a new podcast Obama hosts with her older brother, Craig Robinson—the siblings spoke with Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky about the future of businesses and young entrepreneurs under Trump's administration.
"When you talk about the next generation of entrepreneurs, that brings to mind the current financial instability that we're experiencing," Obama said, noting that it's "going to be harder" for the next generation to "get the foothold" Chesky and his co-founders experienced.
Airbnb was founded by Chesky, Nathan Blecharczyk and Joe Gebbia in 2007, and at the time, "there was capital everywhere, people were investing, and there was a hunger for this new technology," Obama said.
"Right now, we're hearing stories about new startups because of these tariffs. I mean, some people can hold on but other people are not only losing their businesses, but they're losing their homes in the process," the Becoming author continued. "It's kind of scary."
...
Obama is married to former President Barack Obama, and they have two children together: daughters Malia Obama, 26, and Sasha Obama, 23.
"I have kids. They are just starting their lives. One's in film, one's going to grad school to study mental health—maybe go into psychiatry—but I'm talking to so many young people who are deathly afraid of their futures in this climate," Michelle Obama said. "They're not just worried about jobs, they're worried about being able to become the next entrepreneur, they're wondering whether, you know, they'll have healthcare and housing [and] whether they'll be able to pay off their student loans."
Chesky said that there's a lot of "fear" and "concern in the world" and advised young people to "dash into the future" and "seek out mentors."
"It is going to be profoundly different," Chesky added. "Whether or not that different is better or not, I don't think it's depending on people like me. I think it's dependent on people in their 20s. The next generation is going to decide what happens."
"I think that new technology is going to level the playing field and allow a door to open for a new generation," the businessman said, while Michelle Obama chimed in: "That is if everyone actually has access."
"For a tool this powerful, equity, equality, justice, fairness has to play out. Because we're in line for the opposite to happen right now as basic federal workers who are making up a huge percentage of jobs and livelihoods for people are being laid off," Michelle Obama said.
"There [are] still fears that AI will replace real people, it will replace teachers and accountants and bus drivers and truck drivers with no plan on how to stabilize or retrain or create another workforce. Those are going to be jobless, homeless people who won't be able to afford to go to college, they won't be able to afford healthcare, they won't have healthcare because there's no plan for that, and if you're of the wrong ancestry, if you speak the wrong language, if you're not the right color, if you didn't come from the right country, there's no telling what can happen, right?"
She concluded: "So for that equity to happen, for that tool to really do what you say it's got to do, the Constitution, democracy, all of that has to be in place, and the leaders who run this country have to value that. They have to understand that all ships have to rise. And I don't want to go on a soapbox, but hope has to be paired with real action."
What People Are Saying
In the comments underneath the podcast on YouTube, fans praised the interview.
YouTube user @freebird-dana8829 wrote: "This is my first time watching and I love it!! I have always admired Mrs. Obama! Finding out how Airbnb started is so cool! I can't wait to watch more."
@positivegrowth2025 said: "Loved hearing Brian Chesky's story and how Airbnb started. Great insights on tech, leadership, and staying connected in today's world. Michelle and Craig make a great team!"
@Nelisgarcia17 shared: "I've watched every single podcast episode, and seeing a new one uploaded genuinely makes my day. I could honestly listen to you all day—thank you for the incredible content and for always brightening my day. Your work truly means a lot."
@GymOver30 added in a comment, which received a like from Michelle Obama: "This is quickly becoming my favorite podcast!! (no pun intended)."
What Happens Next
New episodes of IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson are released on Wednesdays on platforms that include Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines