Michelle Obama Reveals How She Feels About Daughter Malia Dropping Her Last Name

Michelle Obama is no stranger to the spotlight, but her daughter, Malia, is carefully carving her own path away from the shadow of her famous parents.

In a recent episode of "The Sibling Rivalry Podcast" with Kate and Oliver Hudson, Michelle Obama shared intimate reflections about parenting her daughters, Malia and Sasha, now both in their 20s, and carving out their own lives away from the public eye.

At around the 30-minute mark of the episode, the former first lady revealed that Malia, who made her writing and directing debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024, chose to drop the name Obama from her professional credit. She said:

"Malia, who started in film, I mean, her first project — she took off her last name, and 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."

The proud mother also explained that both daughters have been intentional about distancing themselves from the fame and privilege that came with growing up in the White House. She stated, "They are young adult women, but they definitely went through a period in their teen years where it was the push away."

She further described her daughters' journey toward independence, "I mean, it is very important for my kids to feel like they've earned what they are getting in the world, and they don't want people to assume that they don't work hard, that they’re just naturally, just handed things. They’re very sensitive to that — they want to be their own people."

Malia shocked the public with her decision to be listed simply as Malia Ann in the short film "The Heart," but, according to her mom, the decision reflects her daughter's desire to earn success on her terms.

The film premiered at Sundance in January 2024 and was produced with support from Donald Glover's studio, Gilga. In a voiceover on a YouTube video called "Meet the Artist 2024," Malia gives details.

She said it was about a man grieving the death of his mother, who also left him a request in her will. "The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but it works hard to uncover what tenderness and closeness can exist in these things," she narrated.

The film credits excluded her family name, a subtle but powerful choice that signals her wish to build her creative career without leaning on the Obama name.

This desire for independence runs deep, as her mother added, "They didn’t want to be princesses of the White House," echoing a sentiment that’s been visible in both daughters' intentional yet quiet ambitious journeys since their time in Washington ended."

However, that independence has come with scrutiny. A month ago, Malia directed and narrated a poetic Nike commercial titled "Teaching the Pro."

The ad, which conveys a message of authenticity, cultural significance, and success, was praised for its striking visuals and emotional tone.

Still, the commercial drew scrutiny from critics who made comparisons between her ad and a 2020 short film directed by Natalie Harris, titled "Grace."

Natalie took to social media to express her disappointment and surprise when she saw the Nike commercial and how closely it resembled something she'd created.

A few weeks after her initial tweet, Natalie, in an interview with Business Insider, said:

"Initially, I was disappointed and hurt — not just for myself but for my entire team. I sent the commercial to friends who had the same reaction I did. One put together a shot-by-shot photo comparison. I would like there to be some acknowledgment. I haven't heard from Malia Obama or Nike since speaking out, but I would like for there to be some acknowledgment."

Natalie recalled that she was initially "hesitant to speak out since it involves a former president's daughter and a beloved brand like Nike."

Natalie continued:

"Criticizing something involving the WNBA was also hard because it means a lot to me personally, and it already gets such a lack of a spotlight. But I've poured too much into my work to just sit by and watch. Sometimes it can feel like filmmaking is something that's supposed to be a hobby for the wealthy rather than something that can actually be a career."

The young director also voiced her concerns about how brands go for "folks who already have name recognition" rather than supporting young and upcoming artists. She also worried about the future of the next generation of filmmakers.

Despite the criticism, Michelle continues to speak of her daughters with unwavering pride for how intentionally they’re choosing to build lives of purpose, away from the shadow of political royalty.

Meanwhile, this isn't the first time Michelle has openly talked about her family dynamics. During a candid conversation on Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast on May 13, 2025, the former first lady shared one of the earliest deals she and her husband made in their marriage. The agreement? Michelle can make jokes at her husband's expense — but not the other way around.

"We have a deal, Barack and I, in our marriage, and it started very early," she told Poehler. "It's like, 'I can tease you, but you cannot tease me.'" She recalled moments when her husband tried to challenge the rule. According to Michelle, when the former President occasionally jokes back, she calls him out immediately.

She described her reaction as a firm reminder that he's breaching the agreement, saying he usually responds with, "I’m teasing you," to which she replies, "None of that."

But Barack isn't just outnumbered by the rule — he's outnumbered at home too. "When me, Malia, and Sasha, all of us, are together, he doesn't stand a chance," Michelle said. "We mercilessly go after him. So, yes, teasing is our love language, and I tell him that."

Humor may be the Obamas' love language, but when it comes to public scrutiny, the mom of two takes a different approach — one rooted in resilience and detachment. After years under the microscope, she has learned how to silence the noise. Her approach to managing public scrutiny is clear — stay focused, stay grounded, and tune out the rest.

Speaking at SXSW, the former first lady addressed the persistent rumors that have followed her family, both during their time in the White House and in the years since. "People always ask me and Barack, how did we stay hopeful in, not just the eight years that we were in the White House, but beyond?" she said.

The negativity was relentless. She recalled the swirling gossip and unfounded claims — questions about her husband's birthplace, their patriotism, and even his academic credentials. "Let me tell you, there was a lot of negative energy flipping our way," she said.

But instead of letting the noise define them, the Obamas found strength in perspective. "What kept us sane, and we tried to instill this in our daughters is, that you cannot live through social media," she noted.

Michelle made it clear that disengaging from online commentary has been vital to maintaining their peace of mind. "I don't think I have ever once looked at a comment section, period," she stated.

By setting that example, she hopes to protect her well-being and that of her daughters — from a world where public opinion can quickly spiral out of control. Beyond the rumors and the spotlight, Michelle is entering a new season of life — one shaped by personal choice rather than obligation.

While Malia continues to explore her path in Hollywood, her younger sister, Sasha, has also maintained a relatively private life, focusing on her studies and staying away from the spotlight.