“I don’t want to be tracked”: Michelle Obama sparked online criticism after revealing she avoids using Apple Pay and other digital wallets. The former First Lady admitted she’s not fully ready to trust digital wallets, citing digital payment tracking and privacy concerns.
Michelle Obama allegedly prefers traditional payments over fears of digital surveillance
In a resurfaced interview from May 2025, Michelle opened up to Amy Poehler on the Good Hang podcast, saying she still relies on old-school cash and cards instead of digital options. Obama, 62, said the decision comes down to one thing: not wanting her movements tracked.
As RadarOnline.com reported, Obama claimed she’s “trying to not do stuff on my phone”. Michelle, who is surrounded by the tightest security at all times, admitted to fear of being tracked if she were to use Apple Pay. The critics trolled this “fear” of the former First Lady.
“What if they get your phone information and someone else can take your information?” she said.
The wife of former President Barack Obama also explained she sometimes forgets how to use a credit card since she isn’t a frequent shopper. Poehler reminded her that tapping a phone to pay has become the norm nowadays, but Michelle seemed reluctant to the suggestion. The host then laughed it off as “boomer-y.”
Defending herself, Obama replied, “I know, but I don’t want to be tracked.” She further clarified her worries weren’t necessarily tied to her high-profile status, but that companies could “get your phone information and take your information.”
To this, Poehler, 54, admitted, “We’re all tracked. We’re all cooked. There’s no way not to be,” pointing out how common identity theft has become. However, Michelle stood firm in her approach regardless. “When the system crashes, I’m still going to have cash. I have cash in my wallet untouched for a decade,” she said.
The comments quickly drew mockery online, with critics calling her an “elitist”. Some questioned whether Michelle does any shopping for herself at all. Another user commented, “Cool, and why are you gonna be listening to the thoughts & opinions of millionaires? They’re not like us; they will never be like us, and they cannot relate to us. Can they just go away and enjoy their money?”
TELL US—DO YOU THINK MICHELLE OBAMA’S COMMENTS WERE RELATABLE, OR OUT OF TOUCH? DO YOU THINK DIGITAL PAYMENTS TRACKING FEAR IS REAL?
