Growing up in a house with a bowling alley and a 24-hour pastry chef sounds like a fever dream. But for Sasha and Malia Obama, it was just Tuesday. For eight years, we watched them transform from little girls with hula hoops on the White House lawn into young women navigating the weirdest fishbowl on the planet. Honestly, it’s a miracle they came out the other side as normal as they seem.
But here’s the thing. Most people still think of them as those stiffly dressed teenagers standing behind a podium. That's not the reality anymore. In 2026, the Obama sisters have basically performed a disappearing act from East Coast formality, trading D.C. politics for the hazy, creative grit of Los Angeles.
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The Name Change Nobody Saw Coming
You’ve probably heard the buzz about Malia Ann. It’s not a legal name change, but it’s a massive statement. Malia Obama—now a Harvard grad with a serious resume—opted to drop "Obama" from her professional credits.
When her short film The Heart premiered at Sundance, the credits didn't scream "former First Daughter." They just said Malia Ann. It’s a move that feels very Gen Z. She’s trying to dodge the "nepo baby" allegations before they even start, though let's be real, having Donald Glover as a mentor isn't exactly "starting from the bottom."
Glover, who worked with her on the Amazon series Swarm, has been pretty vocal about her talent. He told Vanity Fair that her writing style is "wild as hell." That’s a far cry from the buttoned-up speeches her dad used to give. She’s not just a hobbyist; she’s a staff writer who gets her hands dirty in writers' rooms, and by all accounts, she’s actually good at it.
Sasha Obama and the West Coast Pivot
Then there’s Sasha. Or Natasha, if you want to be formal about it.
She’s always been the more mysterious of the two. While Malia was at Harvard, Sasha started at the University of Michigan before making a quiet, mid-degree pivot to the University of Southern California (USC). She graduated in 2023 with a degree in sociology, and since then, she’s been living her best life in LA.
The sisters actually live together now. Michelle Obama mentioned on The Today Show that seeing them as roommates is one of her greatest joys. Think about that for a second. Two of the most famous siblings in the world, sharing a kitchen, probably arguing over whose turn it is to buy almond milk, all while Secret Service likely hovers nearby in a non-descript SUV.
What they’re actually doing now:
- Malia Ann: Deep in the film industry. After Swarm and her directorial debut, she’s reportedly working on more independent film projects. She’s focused on "lost objects and lonely people," which is the kind of indie-film-vibe you’d expect from someone who spent their teens under a microscope.
- Sasha Obama: Moving into the creative space too, but more behind the scenes. There have been sightings of her working in production circles, though she keeps her Instagram private and her circle even tighter.
- The Lifestyle: They’re frequently spotted at spots like 7-Eleven or hiking in the hills. They’ve swapped the J. Crew coats for oversized flannels, baggy jeans, and Telfar bags.
The Drake Factor and Streetwear Icons
It’s kind of funny how the internet lost its mind when Drake posted a photo of Sasha Obama calling her a "style popper."
The sisters have become accidental fashion influencers. They don't do sponsored posts. They don't walk runways. But every time a paparazzi shot surfaces of Sasha in a tie-dye maxi skirt or Malia in a pair of vintage boots, the items sell out.
They represent a specific kind of "cool" because they aren't trying to be influencers. They’re just living. They go to parties for R&B stars like Destin Conrad and hang out with Ryan Reynolds. Yet, they manage to feel approachable. It’s a weird tightrope to walk, but they’re doing it with a lot more grace than most celebrity kids.
Why They’ll Never Do Politics
If you’re waiting for a "Sasha 2040" campaign poster, don’t hold your breath.
Barack Obama himself has joked that Michelle would never allow it, and honestly, the girls don't seem to want it either. They’ve seen the "ugly" of the political machine up close. Why would you want to go back to that when you could be making films in Hollywood or living a relatively private life in Silver Lake?
They’ve made it clear they want to be judged on their own merits. That’s why Malia uses her middle name. That’s why Sasha keeps a low profile. They are the first generation of First Children to truly leverage the "post-presidency" era to become private citizens who happen to have famous parents.
How to follow their journey (respectfully)
If you're genuinely interested in the creative work coming out of the "Malia Ann" era, keep an eye on independent film festival circuits like Sundance or SXSW. They aren't going to be on a reality show anytime soon, so the work is where you'll see them.
Actionable Insights for the Curious:
- Watch the credits: Look for "Malia Ann" on upcoming Amazon Prime or indie film projects.
- Follow the fashion: If you like their style, look into "boho-chic" and "90s streetwear" trends—that's their current uniform.
- Respect the privacy: Unlike other celebs, they don't have public TikToks or verified "day in the life" videos. Their silence is their brand.
They’ve grown up. They’ve moved out. And honestly? They’re doing just fine without the motorcades.