WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 06: First Lady Michelle Obama dances with members of the All Stars from from the television show "So You Can Dance" during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn April 6, 2015 in Washington, DC. President Obama and the first lady hosted thousands of children for the annual White House event dating back to 1876 that features live music, sports courts, cooking stations, storytelling, as well as the Easter egg roll this year. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Former First Lady Michelle Obama is commanding a staggering $200,000 per speaking engagement, Mike Allen reported for Axios.
That number represents roughly half of what husband Barack Obama earns in appearance fees and around the same as former United States President George W. Bush, according to Allen. Bill Clinton reportedly is paid slightly more.
Shortly after concluding his two terms in January, Barack and Michelle signed a considerable $60 million book deal while also hiring high-powered attorneys to help them negotiate their representation by the Harry Walker Agency (which also represents Bill and Hillary Clinton). They also began planning Barack’s presidential center and library in Chicago. Just because they are no longer in the White House doesn’t mean they aren’t incredibly busy.
On Thursday, Michelle made her first public appearance since leaving the White House in Orlando at the annual American Institute of Architects conference. She discussed the Let Girls Learn Initiative in addition to her post-White House life.
Michelle addressed persisting rumors about a potential bid for public office, saying she will not be running anytime soon. She did say, though, that we can expect to be seeing more of her.
“Barack and I have been in public service our whole lives,” she told the audience. “Public service will always be in our blood.”
