Who Is Sasha Obama?
Sasha Obama, born Natasha Obama on June 10, 2001, in Chicago, Illinois, is best known as the younger daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. But beyond the public eye and political spotlight, Sasha has carved out her own identity—one that extends far beyond being a former first daughter.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Sasha spent her early years in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, where she lived with her parents and older sister, Malia. Her childhood had a rocky start when she faced a serious meningitis scare as a baby, but she recovered and grew into an energetic and adventurous kid. She kept busy with a mix of activities, from piano lessons and gymnastics to tennis and tap dancing.
By the time her father launched his campaign for president in 2007, Sasha was already getting glimpses of life in the public eye. She made a rare TV appearance on Access Hollywood in 2008, but her parents quickly realized they wanted to protect their daughters' privacy as much as possible.
Life as a First Daughter
When Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, 7-year-old Sasha became the youngest child to live in the White House since John F. Kennedy Jr. in the 1960s. Moving into the White House was an overwhelming change, but Sasha and Malia quickly adjusted, helped by the warm guidance of their grandmother, Marian Robinson, who moved in to help raise them.
Despite the grandeur of the White House, her parents made sure she had a relatively normal childhood. She had a strict schedule with homework, bedtime rules, and even chores—yes, even the president’s daughter had to clean her room! She and Malia were also thrilled when they got their first White House pets, Portuguese Water Dogs Bo and Sunny.
Even with Secret Service agents watching her every move (her code name was “Rosebud”), Sasha still found ways to enjoy her childhood. She had sleepovers, went on school trips, and formed a close friendship with Maisy Biden, the granddaughter of then-Vice President Joe Biden. She also accompanied her family on diplomatic trips, visiting places like Moscow and the Vatican before she was even a teenager.
Stepping Into Independence
As Sasha grew older, she started showing more of her own personality. She wasn’t as eager to take part in all the traditional presidential events—like the annual turkey pardoning—but she developed new interests. She loved watching cooking shows and even took over the White House kitchen with her friends.
In 2016, she attended her first State Dinner and made headlines when she was spotted chatting with Ryan Reynolds—getting an approving thumbs-up from Malia. That summer, she also worked her first summer job at a seafood restaurant in Martha’s Vineyard, where she served customers just like any other teenager.
Life Beyond the White House
When the Obama administration ended in 2017, Sasha and her family settled into a new home in Washington, D.C., so she could finish high school. While Malia took a gap year before heading to Harvard, Sasha focused on her studies and spent time with friends. She also enjoyed her fair share of fun—whether it was a vacation in Indonesia or attending a Beyoncé and Jay-Z concert with her mom.
After graduating from Sidwell Friends School in 2019, Sasha surprised many by choosing the University of Michigan over an Ivy League school. She spent her freshman year there, but like many students, she had to return home in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. She spent that time taking online classes—and occasionally tempting her parents with late-night baking sessions.
Sasha Today
Sasha has always been known as the more easygoing and fun-loving one in the Obama family—her mom even calls her "Sassy." Her father jokes that he’s "afraid" of her and that she’s his go-to person for music recommendations. Though she keeps her life private, she’s given glimpses into her personality, from appearing in TikTok videos to joining protests against police brutality in 2020.
As she continues to grow and carve out her own path, Sasha Obama remains more than just a former first daughter—she's a young woman stepping into her own, with a bright future ahead of her.