The Obama Sisters, All Grown Up: 7 Shocking Ways Malia And Sasha Are Redefining The 'First Daughter' Legacy In 2025

For over eight years, the world watched Malia and Sasha Obama grow up within the impenetrable walls of the White House. Today, in late 2025, the former First Daughters have fully stepped out of the political spotlight, carving out fiercely private and independent lives that are, in many ways, more fascinating than their years in Washington, D.C. They are no longer the young girls of the Obama administration; they are two accomplished, creative, and highly private young women navigating their mid-twenties in the arts and academia, determined to build their own legacies far from the presidential glare. The sisters are now based in Los Angeles, California, embracing the West Coast lifestyle while focusing intensely on their respective career paths. Their move represents a significant physical and symbolic distance from the traditional political establishment, a choice that has allowed them to pursue their passions—filmmaking and sociology—with a refreshing degree of anonymity and freedom. Their parents, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, have consistently expressed pride in their daughters’ independence and their ability to forge their own identities.

Malia and Sasha Obama: Comprehensive Biographical Profile

The Obama sisters have transitioned from being protected figures in public life to independent young adults, each with a distinct academic and professional trajectory. Below is a detailed look at their personal and educational backgrounds.

• Malia Ann Obama
  • Born: July 4, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois
  • Age in 2025: 27
  • Parents: Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
  • Education: Sidwell Friends School (Washington, D.C.), Harvard University (Graduated 2021)
  • Current Focus: Screenwriter and Director in the film industry, professionally known as Malia Ann.
  • Key Projects: Staff writer on Donald Glover’s series *Swarm*, directorial debut short film *The Heart*.
• Natasha 'Sasha' Marian Obama
  • Born: June 10, 2001, in Chicago, Illinois
  • Age in 2025: 24
  • Parents: Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
  • Education: Sidwell Friends School, University of Michigan, University of Southern California (USC) (Graduated 2023)
  • Current Focus: Post-graduate life and career exploration in Los Angeles.
  • Academic Field: Sociology (USC Degree).

Malia Ann: From Harvard Graduate to Hollywood Director

Malia Obama, now professionally going by the name Malia Ann, has firmly established herself as a serious emerging talent in the competitive world of Hollywood filmmaking. Her pivot from an Ivy League education to a career behind the camera is perhaps the most significant development in her public life since leaving the White House. Her path began with a highly coveted role as a staff writer on the Amazon Prime series *Swarm*, an Emmy-nominated horror-comedy created by Donald Glover. Glover, a major entertainment industry figure, publicly praised her work ethic and talent, cementing her reputation beyond her famous last name.

The Sundance Debut: *The Heart*

The pinnacle of Malia’s early career came with her directorial debut, a short film titled *The Heart*. The film premiered at the prestigious 2024 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. *The Heart* is described as a poignant, emotional piece about a grieving son whose deceased mother leaves him an unusual, heartfelt request in her will. Malia herself explained that the film explores themes of loss, forgiveness, and the search for tenderness in lonely people. Her presence on the Sundance red carpet marked a powerful declaration of her dedication to the craft of storytelling.

Sasha Obama's Life After USC Graduation and Current Independence

Sasha Obama, the younger of the two sisters, officially completed her academic journey in 2023, graduating from the University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in Sociology. Her graduation was a major family event, with both Barack and Michelle Obama attending the ceremony alongside Malia. Her college years were a deliberate effort to experience a normal young adult life, first at the University of Michigan and then transferring to USC. She has embraced the Los Angeles lifestyle, often seen in casual, stylish streetwear, reflecting a personal aesthetic far removed from the formal constraints of her childhood.

Embracing Privacy and Post-Graduation Life

While Malia has a clear professional path in the public-facing film industry, Sasha’s post-graduation life is more private, which is consistent with the Obama family’s goal of allowing their daughters to define their own normalcy. Her degree in Sociology suggests an interest in social issues, human behavior, and community dynamics, a field that offers numerous career avenues, from non-profit work to data analysis or policy research. The lack of a major, immediate public career announcement is a sign of her successful transition to a life where her personal choices are not dictated by the press cycle. She is reportedly focused on exploring her professional options and enjoying the independence that comes with being a recent college graduate in a major city.

The Sisters' Dynamic and Their Parents' Perspective (2024-2025)

One of the most enduring narratives surrounding the Obama sisters is their incredibly close bond. Despite their different career paths—Malia in the arts and Sasha in social sciences—they live together in Los Angeles and are frequently photographed together, showcasing a strong sisterly dynamic. Their relationship has been a consistent source of pride for their parents. In a late 2024 podcast appearance, Barack Obama spoke about the joy of seeing his daughters as independent adults, noting that they are "out of the house" and actively carving out their own space in the world. Michelle Obama has also often discussed her parenting philosophy, which focused on preparing them for the realities of life outside the political bubble.

Navigating Relationships and Public Scrutiny

Like any young adults, Malia and Sasha have faced intense, often unwarranted, public scrutiny regarding their personal lives, especially their romantic relationships. * Malia Obama's Dating Life: Malia was previously linked to Dawit Eklund, a record producer and co-founder of a Washington D.C.-based record label. However, recent reports in early 2025 suggest she is currently single, focusing primarily on her burgeoning career as a filmmaker. * Sasha Obama's Partner: Sasha has been linked to Clifton Powell Jr., the son of actor Clifton Powell. These relationships are carefully shielded from the public eye, a testament to the sisters’ commitment to maintaining their privacy despite their high-profile lineage. Their recent public appearances are rare and usually stylish, such as a high-profile trip to Spain with their mother, Michelle, and Malia's casual but noted outing at a Hamptons Dive Bar in May 2025. These glimpses confirm that while they value their privacy, they are fully immersed in the culture and social experiences of young adulthood.

The Legacy of the First Daughters

The journey of Malia and Sasha Obama is a powerful study in post-White House life. They have successfully transitioned from being political symbols to being recognized for their individual talents and choices. Their decision to pursue careers in creative and academic fields, rather than politics or law, marks a significant departure from the traditional path often taken by children of former Presidents. By establishing themselves in Los Angeles and embracing their creative and intellectual pursuits, the Obama daughters are setting a new standard for the next generation of political children: one defined by authentic self-expression, professional dedication, and a fierce commitment to privacy. The world is watching, not to see what they *will* do in politics, but to see what they *will* create in their own chosen fields.