Michelle Obama reacts to daughter Malia dropping her last name
Former first daughter Malia Obama is stepping into the spotlight — but not with the name that made her famous. Instead, she’s using her middle name, “Ann,” as she carves out a creative identity in the entertainment industry.
Michelle Obama responds to the name change
Former first lady Michelle Obama said she supports her daughter’s decision to leave “Obama” off professional credits. On the podcast “Sibling Revelry with Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson,” Michelle Obama opened up about Malia’s reasoning, saying both daughters want to “be their own people.”
“It is very important for my kids to feel like they’ve earned what they are getting in the world,” she said. “They don’t want people to assume they don’t work hard.”
Malia Obama directed a Nike campaign for WNBA star A’ja Wilson in May, where she was credited simply as “Malia Ann.”
Debuting at Sundance under a new name
In 2024, Malia Obama’s short film, “The Heart,” played at the Sundance Film Festival under that same name. Michelle recalled the moment on the podcast.
“Her first project — she took off her last name,” Michelle Obama said. “We were like, ‘They’re still going to know it’s you, Malia.’ But we respected the fact that she’s trying to make her way.”
What are other former first children doing?
While Malia forges her own path in entertainment, her sister Sasha Obama graduated from the University of Southern California in 2023. While her current career or studies are not publicly known, she could be pursuing higher education. During an appearance on the “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” in December 2024, Michelle noted that Sasha Obama was in school.
Meanwhile, the Bush twins have taken different routes in the public eye. Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush, is now a household name as co-host of “Today with Jenna & Friends.” Her twin, Barbara Bush, serves as the NBA’s vice president of social impact, leading the league’s initiatives around health equity and social justice.
Chelsea Clinton serves as vice chair of the Clinton Foundation. According to her biography on the organization’s website, she works alongside global partners to improve lives and support leadership development around the world.
A new chapter for the Obama daughters
As Malia and Sasha continue to navigate life as young adults, their mom says they’re beginning to embrace the values instilled in them.
“They have a clear understanding of why we did a lot of what we did,” Michelle said.
Barack and Michelle remain united
In May 2025, the Obamas made their first public appearance together in six months, amid divorce rumors. The couple was spotted in New York City at a restaurant at the Lowell Hotel.
This comes after many months of public speculation and rumors that the Obamas’ marriage was in question. It also followed the former president’s admission that he was in a “deep deficit” with his wife following his presidency.
However, Michelle publicly acknowledged divorce rumors in April during an episode of Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress” podcast.
“That’s the thing that we, as women, I think we struggle with — disappointing people,” she said when speaking about prioritizing her well-being. “So much so that this year people were –– they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself. They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing. This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself.”
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
