Michelle Obama shares heartfelt insights into her daughter Malia Obama’s decision to drop the famous family surname as she builds her own creative legacy. Read more inside.

On a recent episode of the Sibling Revelry podcast hosted by Oliver and Kate Hudson, the former First Lady opened up about why 25-year-old Malia Ann chose to use her middle name professionally as she steps into the spotlight as a filmmaker.

The revelation came after Malia made headlines in early 2024 when her short film The Heart, which she wrote and directed, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The credits listed her as “Malia Ann,” prompting curiosity about the change.

According to Michelle, the decision wasn’t an act of rebellion but one rooted in a desire for autonomy.

“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,” she told the Hudson siblings. “They’re very sensitive to that – they want to be their own people.”

Michelle, who appeared on the podcast alongside her brother and In My Opinion co-host Craig Robinson, reflected on the unique challenges faced by children of public figures. She noted how Malia and her younger sister, Sasha, have navigated growing up under the intense spotlight of the White House and beyond.

“Our daughters didn’t want to be little princesses in the White House,” Michelle shared. “They wanted to push the envelope; they needed some rope.”

Michelle acknowledged that she and former President Barack Obama were initially surprised by Malia’s name change, joking, “We were like, they’re still going to know it’s you, Malia.” But ultimately, they respected her choice. “We respected the fact that she’s trying to make her way.”

While some may view the name change as distancing from her presidential lineage, it’s clear that Malia’s intention is to carve out a space for herself as a creative professional — not just as the daughter of a former president, but as a storyteller on her own terms.

By embracing “Malia Ann,” she’s asserting a quiet declaration of independence, one Michelle Obama supports fully.

“They want to be out in the world,” Michelle added. “And they needed more rope than I probably would’ve given them if I were my mom.”

Check out the full podcast episode here.