‘We respected the fact that she’s trying to make her way’: Michelle Obama opens up about Malia’s bold career move that surprised everyone

Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently shared insights about her daughter Malia‘s decision to drop her famous last name in pursuit of her filmmaking career. The 26-year-old artist chose to be credited simply as Malia Ann when she submitted her short film to the Sundance Film Festival last year, marking a significant step in establishing her individual identity in the entertainment industry.

According to Huff Post, the revelation came during Michelle Obama’s appearance on “Sibling Revelry With Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson” podcast, where she discussed her initial hesitation about her daughter’s choice. The former First Lady admitted that she and former President Barack Obama had their doubts about the effectiveness of the name change.

“We respected the fact that she’s trying to make her way,” Michelle Obama shared during the podcast discussion, despite their initial reaction being, “They’re still going to know it’s you, Malia.” This decision reflects Malia’s determination to forge her own path in the industry independently of her family name.

How the Obama daughters navigate their identity in the public eye

Both Malia and her younger sister, Sasha, 23, have shown a consistent desire to establish themselves independently of their parents’ legacy. Michelle Obama emphasized that during their time in the White House from 2009 to 2016, neither daughter wanted to be perceived as “little princesses,” instead choosing to challenge boundaries and explore their own interests.

The former First Lady highlighted the importance her daughters place on earning their achievements rather than being handed opportunities. She noted their particular sensitivity to assumptions about their work ethic, stating that they are determined to be recognized for their own merits rather than their family connections.

This perspective appears to be shared by both parents, as former President Barack Obama has previously expressed similar sentiments about his daughters’ approach to their careers. He has noted their deliberate efforts to avoid leveraging their family name for personal gain.

The decision to drop the Obama surname represents a broader pattern in how the former First Daughters approach their professional lives. Michelle Obama emphasized that both Malia and Sasha are committed to establishing their own identities and want to be judged based on their own accomplishments rather than their family’s legacy. Their mother’s public support of these choices demonstrates the family’s commitment to allowing their children to chart their own courses in their respective careers.