“No Matter What… You Will Be Criticized”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Ex-Wife Maria Shriver Once Got a Harsh Reality Check From Former First Lady of California

The bodybuilder turned actor Arnold Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver in 1986. Arnold Schwarzenegger was confident about his influence over Americans and entered politics. He was elected as the Governor of California in 2003, making his wife the state’s first lady.

Maria Shriver has her roots in a political family too. She is the niece of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the USA. Her father, Sargent Shriver, and uncles also ran for the presidential nominations. Shriver had smelled politics for most of her childhood but got a taste of it when she became the first lady.

Maria Shriver got the reality check

Maria was surprised to see the first lady’s office door labeled “Special Projects.” She was taken aback and said, “It was as basic as this: I am not a special project.”

The former first lady, Sharon Davis, told Maria that she used to work 24/7 at her job as the first lady. Davis used to conduct book drives and host legislators. Maria noticed that the horseshoe corridor did not mention Sharon Davis, even after working so hard. The horseshoe corridor was a place that had pictures of all the past, present, and upcoming governors of California.

READ MORE: Due to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s One Decision, Ex-Wife Maria Shriver Lost Her Job Once: “They Were Uncomfortable Keeping Me”

Maria Shriver entered the car and thought she would be cooked as the first lady. Shriver then spoke to Nancy Reagan, another former first lady, and asked for her advice. Nancy said, “Do whatever you want,” and added, “Because no matter what you do, you will be criticized.“

Shriver worried about Arnold Schwarzenegger running for Governor

Maria worried when Arnold Schwarzenegger first revealed that he was running for Governor. She worried about what politics would do to her kids and her relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger. But when Arnold Schwarzenegger won the election, she buckled up for the ride.

Shriver did not want to operate behind the curtains. She wanted people to see her and give identity to herself and the millions of women in California. Maria said, “I wanted to know who they were, where they were going.… I wanted to know who I was in this new role.”

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Do you think Maria Shriver stood steadfast to her words? Tell us in the comments!