Former First Lady Michelle Obama reportedly took issue with former TV show host Ellen DeGeneres challenging her in a fitness competition.

According to the Daily Mail, the former first lady recently revealed that DeGeneres questioned Obama's push-up technique after she had challenged her to a push-up contest.

Obama revealed the silly criticism during an interview with comedian Amy Poehler on her podcast, noting that she was stunned that DeGeneres would challenge her in the first place.

The challenge reportedly came during Michelle Obama's first term in the White House, when the Obamas were all the rage on the media circuit.

What did she say?

Michelle Obama revealed to Poehler that DeGeneres challenged her to a push-up competition while on DeGeneres' popular daytime TV show.

"She heard that I worked out. So I'm on her show doing push-ups and I did more push-ups than her,' Obama explained. "She still says I didn't go down all the way. Anatomically, I don't think I can. My arms are very long and she's a much smaller person than me."

She recalled further details of the fitness challenge.

"I was just wondering if you could do more push-ups than I could do." Michelle Obama then said: "You know, it depends on how your back is. I know you’ve got these back issues."

Michelle Obama Recalls Ellen DeGeneres' Push-Up Challenge: 'I'm the First Lady, You Know' https://t.co/l70JgnC7kC

— People (@people) May 16, 2025

Michelle Obama has hit the media circuit recently in an attempt that many believe includes quashing rumors of a potential separation or divorce with her husband, Barack Obama.

The Daily Mail noted:

Michelle has been on a PR and marketing blitz this year, appearing on a host of podcasts alongside her brother, Craig Robinson, promoting their own show.

During her interviews, she's attempted to squash long-running rumors that she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, are divorcing.

Dispelling rumors

It was just last week that Michelle Obama decided to directly confront the rumor mill regarding her marriage and the potential divorce situation.

"If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it," she told entrepreneur and investor Steven Bartlett on his podcast.

Many still believe the possibility exists that her and Barack are having problems or had problems, but we'll probably never know about it.