Barack Obama Reacts to Daughter Malia Dropping His Name: "I Was All Like…"

 

Former President Barack Obama recently spoke about a lighthearted moment involving his eldest daughter, Malia Obama, as she navigates her own professional path. Malia, now 26, has been working hard to establish herself in the entertainment industry without leaning on her father’s famous name. In a recent interview, Obama shared his reaction to Malia’s decision to "drop" his name while building her career.

A Parent’s Mixed Emotions

Barack Obama admitted that when he first found out, he felt both amused and proud. He said, "I was all like, 'Wait, what?' She’s out there, doing her own thing, and that’s something I’ve always encouraged both my girls to do." Obama has always promoted independence for his daughters, Malia and Sasha, and it’s clear he supports Malia’s choice, even if it’s a bit surprising.

Obama explained that he wants both of his daughters to create their own paths. "I've always told Malia and Sasha that their lives, their passions, are theirs to discover," he said. For Obama, who spent years in the public eye as one of the most well-known figures in the world, it’s refreshing to see his daughters exploring life without automatically relying on the Obama name.

Malia’s Growing Career in Hollywood

Malia has been developing her career behind the scenes in Hollywood, focusing on screenwriting. She graduated from Harvard in 2021 and soon started working as a writer on the popular TV show Swarm, which is co-created by Donald Glover. Her career is just beginning, and her work is already earning attention, not because of her last name but because of her own talent and dedication.

According to Barack, Malia wants to be taken seriously in her field and prefers that people focus on her work rather than her family background. Dropping the "Obama" name professionally allows her to grow and earn respect on her own terms. "I understand that, and I think it's a mature choice," Obama said.

A Proud Father

Obama expressed pride in his daughters and described how seeing them grow up has been rewarding. "As a father, it’s incredible to watch your kids become who they’re meant to be," he said, sharing that he’s proud of Malia’s courage to carve her own space. He emphasized that while he misses the days when his girls were young, he’s excited to see the women they’re becoming.

The story highlights the strong bond and mutual respect between Barack Obama and his daughters. While Malia may have decided to drop the "Obama" name for her career, the support she receives from her father remains unwavering. Obama understands her choice and, as always, remains a proud father watching his daughters grow into their own