One thing no government official can control is the “Obama tax.”
That’s what former first lady Michelle Obama calls the pressures that Sasha Obama, 23, and Malia Obama, 26, experience as daughters of former President Barack Obama.
“We call that the Obama tax for them,” she quipped during an April 29 appearance on SiriusXM’s Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa. “You’ll have it the rest of your life, but you also have a lot of benefits.”
And while her daughters may feel like they get treated differently than other twenty-somethings, Michelle explained that their extended family ultimately helped take the pressure off Malia and Sasha during their younger years in the White House, noting, “Because it’s not the house, it’s who’s in it. My brother, my sister-in-law, my nieces and nephews, they helped to stabilize things and I’m grateful that they were willing to be on that journey with us.”
The topic came up with host Kelly Ripa after they discussed the difficulties of keeping Malia and Sasha—who were 10 and 7, respectively, when their father took office—out of the spotlight during their teenage years.
“They had to drive and they had to go to prom and they were on teams and they traveled to other schools and they had to do college searches, and they went to parties and they had drinks, and they tried out smoking and they did all the things,” Michelle, 61, recalled, “and every weekend was a nightmare, because we had to work to make sure that them being regular teenagers didn’t wind up on Page Six.”
The Becoming author shared that it “was a lot of work” and it only “got harder as they got older.”
However, she had the support of her husband, who has said he did his best to take the focus off his growing daughters at the time.
“Growing up, the press was pretty good,” the politician, 63, said in October 2024 on The Pivot Podcast. “I basically made a deal with the press pool—the White House press core—I said, ‘You can follow me around. You can talk about me. You do whatever you need to do. Leave my children alone because they have the right to grow up. They didn’t choose this. Let them grow up.’ And to the credit of the press they did leave them alone.”
For more of Sasha and Malia, read on.
College Bound
After taking a gap year, Malia is enjoying her college years at the prestigious Harvard University. As for little sis Sasha, she is enrolled at the University of Michigan.
End of an Era
The Obama family don their finest ensembles for their final Christmas card in the White House.
Air Force Wonderful
The sisters stick close to their respective parents while arriving in Martha’s Vineyard for a weekend getaway in 2016.
Star Struck
Malia flashes her little sis an approving thumbs up while she earned some one-on-one time with none other than Ryan Reynolds at their first state dinner in 2016.
Rain, Rain Go Away
Upon touching down in Cuba in 2016, the Obama ladies look more than ready for their historic trip.
All Grown Up
Former President Barack Obama’s little girls prove they’re not so little anymore while arriving at the 2015 turkey pardoning over the Thanksgiving holiday.
That’s Amore
Malia and Sasha join their extremely accomplished mama on a trip to Italy in 2015.
Mama’s Girls
The three Obama women cuddled closely for an adorable snapshot taken while visiting the Great Wall of China in 2014.
Come On, Dad
The teenagers begrudgingly carry on the Turkey Day tradition in 2013.
Purple Reign
The pair rock matching purple coats for their father’s second inauguration ceremony after the 2012 presidential election.
Hello, America!
Right before delivering his 2012 acceptance speech, Obama graces the stage with the three most important women in his life.
Happy Holidays
Malia, Sasha and Michelle kick off the 2012 holiday season with the epic delivery of their 19-foot Christmas tree.
There’s Our Guy
The 2012 Democratic National Convention brought the pair and their mama together in celebration of Obama’s nomination.
Jingle Bells
The 2011 Christmas in Washington gala wouldn’t be complete without an appearance from its most high-profile residents.
Together for the Holidays
TNT’s Christmas in Washington event in 2010 brings the family together yet again.
Gobble, Gobble
The sisters are all smiles at their first-ever turkey pardoning event at the White House in 2009.
All Together Now
Malia and Sasha lovingly wrap their arms around their ‘rents for the official family portrait in 2009.
Rest and Relaxation
As is the tradition in the Obama family, the trio enjoys Christmas 2008 in Hawaii.
Meet the Obamas
The nation was introduced to the Obama girls early on during the 2008 presidential election.
Father-Daughter
A young Malia shares a bonding moment with her proud pops while on the campaign trail in 2007.
Humble Beginnings
When the White House was just a twinkle in this foursome’s eyes, Obama’s 2004 Senate run delivered this precious picture.
