Ever since her father assumed office in 2009, Sasha Obama has predominantly been recognized as the daughter of a president. Her upbringing, characterized by both public scrutiny and stringent security measures, has been anything but conventional. Despite this, Sasha has experienced moments throughout her life that resonate with teenagers worldwide. However, there’s much more to Sasha Obama than her familial ties to the presidency.
The once young girl who resided in the White House has since grown up, and with the conclusion of her tenure as the first daughter, she’s embarked on significant endeavors. While Sasha Obama has been a familiar figure to the people of the United States and beyond, there are numerous aspects of her life that remain lesser-known. Let’s delve deeper into some unexpected facts about Sasha Obama.
Sasha isn’t her real name
Our introduction to Sasha Obama occurred during her father’s historic presidential campaign. At the tender age of 7, Sasha found herself thrust into the public eye upon her father’s election victory. Throughout her father’s two terms in office, the world witnessed Sasha’s transformation from a young girl into an adolescent navigating the complexities of teenagehood.
However, despite the extensive media coverage spanning her upbringing in the White House, there were still intriguing aspects of Sasha’s life that remained hidden from the public eye. One of the most surprising revelations about Sasha emerged in 2016, shedding light on her true identity. Contrary to popular belief, “Sasha” is not her given name but rather a shortened version of Natasha.
Frenzy across social media platforms
This revelation came to light when Sasha opted to use her full first name for a summer job on Martha’s Vineyard. Despite this revelation making headlines, it largely went unnoticed until Twitter user Ashley C. Ford brought it to the forefront in 2017. Ford’s tweet sparked a frenzy across social media platforms, with users expressing shock and disbelief at this newfound knowledge. As one Twitter user aptly put it, “My life is a lie.”
This revelation not only highlighted Sasha’s penchant for privacy but also served as a reminder of the complexities that come with growing up in the public eye. Despite her high-profile status as the daughter of a president, Sasha has maintained a sense of individuality and autonomy, choosing to reveal aspects of her identity on her own terms.
Her endeavors outside of the political sphere
Beyond her name revelation, Sasha has also made headlines for her endeavors outside of the political sphere. In 2016, she embarked on a summer internship at the U.S. Embassy in Spain, offering her a unique opportunity to explore her interests in diplomacy and international relations.
This experience showcased Sasha’s commitment to expanding her horizons and gaining valuable real-world experience beyond the confines of the White House. Additionally, Sasha’s transition into adulthood has been marked by milestones familiar to many teenagers.
The most scrutinized households in the world
In 2019, she attended her high school prom, a rite of passage that symbolized her journey into young adulthood. Despite her upbringing in one of the most scrutinized households in the world, Sasha has managed to carve out moments of normalcy and personal growth, indicative of her resilience and maturity.
As Sasha continues to navigate her path beyond the White House, she remains a source of fascination and inspiration for many. Her ability to maintain a sense of authenticity and grace amidst the pressures of fame speaks volumes about her character and upbringing.
Multifaceted individual with her own aspirations and ambitions
While the world may have first met Sasha as the president’s daughter, she has since emerged as a multifaceted individual with her own aspirations and ambitions. Looking ahead, Sasha’s future is filled with endless possibilities. Whether she chooses to pursue further education, embark on a career path, or engage in activism, one thing is certain:
Sasha Obama will continue to leave an indelible mark on the world, one that extends far beyond her role as the daughter of a former president. As she forges her own path, Sasha serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, determination, and self-discovery.
Sasha Obama had a childhood scare
It’s not widely known, but Sasha Obama faced a serious illness at a very young age. Former President Barack Obama shared details of the experience in a campaign video covered by Politico. Reflecting on the challenges he has encountered, he emphasized that while many may consider political debates and crises significant.
They pale in comparison to the ordeal he endured when his youngest daughter fell ill as an infant. Recalling the distressing time, he revealed that Sasha contracted meningitis at just 3 months old. He vividly remembers the anxiety of accompanying her to the hospital, where medical professionals had to perform a spinal tap as part of her treatment.
Meeting Ryan Reynolds was major for Sasha Obama
At times, it may seem difficult to envision Sasha Obama navigating typical teenage experiences like any other adolescent. Yet, occasional glimpses remind us that she’s remarkably relatable, just like her peers. One such instance occurred in 2016 when Sasha attended her inaugural state dinner. Among the attendees were notable celebrities, including the charming Ryan Reynolds.
As fate would have it, being the daughter of the president comes with its perks, affording Sasha the chance to meet the actor.
Time magazine captured a delightful moment when Sasha, accompanied by her sister Malia, interacted with Reynolds, capturing the essence of teenage excitement.
Can Sasha Obama take your order?
When you’re an Obama, being the president’s daughter doesn’t automatically equate to special treatment. Just like countless teenagers transitioning from the school year to summer break with ample free time, Sasha Obama decided to take on a summer job.
As later reported by the Boston Herald, 15-year-old Sasha Obama spent her summer months working at the takeout window of the restaurant, accompanied by her Secret Service agents. A fellow waiter shared with the Boston Herald, “We were wondering why there were six people helping this girl, but then we found out who it was.” While certainly not your typical summer job experience, it certainly came close enough!
Sasha Obama is besties with Joe Biden’s granddaughter
Establishing a bond with someone who understands your lifestyle is invaluable. That’s why it’s no surprise that one of Sasha Obama’s closest companions is Maisy Biden, the granddaughter of former Vice President Joe Biden. Growing up in the public eye has fostered a deep connection between these two young women.
Beyond their shared experiences in the limelight, they also share common interests. Sasha and Maisy have bonded over their mutual love for basketball and soccer, as highlighted by the Chicago Tribune. Additionally, they have been schoolmates at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, further solidifying their friendship. Their relationship has even extended to shared vacations, as reported by Us Weekly, with sightings of the duo enjoying each other’s company in Miami in early 2017.
Sasha Obama’s entourage includes a reality show star
Maisy Biden isn’t the sole friend Sasha Obama enjoys spending time with, whether it’s hanging out or vacationing. Nor is Maisy her only notable friend. Sasha also counts Skylar among her circle, as evidenced by Skylar’s presence at Obama’s 16th birthday celebration, as reported by AOL.
Unlike Maisy’s political ties, Skylar’s claim to fame lies in a different realm. Skylar and her family are familiar faces in front of the camera, not for political endeavors, but rather for their reality television stardom. Skylar’s mother, Charrisse Jackson Jordan, is a cast member on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Potomac.”
Sasha Obama has the best room in the Obama house
Being the youngest member of the family certainly has its advantages, particularly when it comes to having a say in the design and decoration of a new home. When the Obama family departed from the White House, they embarked on a quest to find a new residence they could truly call “home.” Taking their time in the search process allowed each family member to contribute to the design decisions.
Michelle Obama candidly discussed their relocation during an interview on Ellen, revealing some interesting details about their new home. Surprisingly, it was Sasha who scored big in the arrangement. Michelle described Sasha’s living quarters as a luxurious two-room suite, complete with a living area and bedroom, decked out to her liking.
Sasha Obama went big for her super sweet 16
As the daughter of a former president, Sasha Obama has undoubtedly attended her fair share of parties. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that when it came time for her own milestone celebration, her sweet 16, she pulled out all the stops for an unforgettable event. Naturally, she looked radiant throughout the festivities.
In May 2017, Sasha marked her birthday in grand style. No longer the young girl who first graced the halls of the White House, Sasha dazzled in a stunning red dress designed by Jill Stuart for her special occasion, as reported by the Daily Mail. Social media snapshots captured moments from the lavish affair, showcasing Sasha surrounded by her friends. However, amidst the glitz and glamour, Sasha ensured to include a select few on her guest list—her parents, who stood proudly by her side at her exclusive and intimate birthday celebration.
Live music for Sasha Obama, please!
The youngest member of the Obama family certainly has a penchant for live music, having attended numerous concerts and shows. BET reported sightings of Sasha Obama at Jay-Z’s Made In America music festival in 2016 in Philadelphia, where she enthusiastically enjoyed Rihanna’s performance. Moreover, according to The Washington Post, Sasha, along with Malia and Michelle, celebrated her fifteenth birthday in Baltimore attending a Beyoncé concert.
This wasn’t Sasha’s first encounter with Queen Bey either, as the trio had previously attended Beyoncé’s performances in Atlanta in 2012, and in Chicago in 2013 and 2014. These experiences don’t even include Beyoncé’s appearances at White House events, such as the former First Lady’s birthday celebration or the Obamas’ inaugural ball.
Sasha Obama’s on social media… somewhere
While you won’t stumble upon Sasha Obama’s Instagram profile anytime soon, she’s not exactly absent from the realm of social media. According to The Hill, her father confirmed during a 2017 Hillary Clinton rally that she is indeed active on social platforms. In his address, he casually mentioned Sasha’s Twitter presence.
Moreover, there’s concrete evidence that Sasha is also a user of Snapchat. President Obama revealed in an interview on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that Sasha had introduced him to the popular app. Reflecting on the experience, he recounted how Sasha patiently guided him through the intricacies of Snapchat during a dinner conversation.
Sasha Obama is serious about her studies
The internet was abuzz with speculation when news emerged that Sasha Obama was noticeably absent from her father’s final farewell address, as reported by The Guardian. Questions arose regarding her absence from such a significant occasion and her whereabouts. However, it was soon clarified that Sasha was in good health—she was simply preoccupied with other commitments.
CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller provided insight on Twitter, disclosing the reason behind Sasha’s absence: “Where was Sasha? WH Official says she stayed back in DC tonight because she has an exam at school tomorrow morning.”
Sasha Obama had a pretty normal upbringing for a first kid
Although Sasha Obama’s childhood unfolded under the intense scrutiny of the public eye, she experienced a relatively grounded upbringing, thanks to the hands-on approach of her parents, Michelle and Barack. As reported by the New York Daily News, certain rules were in place to ensure a stable environment for Sasha.
For instance, she was restricted from watching television or using the computer during weekdays unless it was for educational purposes. Family dinners were a regular occurrence, typically held at 6:30 in the evening, fostering a sense of togetherness. Additionally, Sasha had her fair share of household chores, teaching her responsibility and accountability.
The Internet went crazy over Sasha Obama’s prom picture
Prior to Sasha Obama’s high school graduation and her subsequent enrollment at the University of Michigan, she experienced another quintessential American high school tradition: attending prom. Thanks to a relative of her prom date, the public had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Sasha’s stunning appearance on that memorable evening through social media. Although the original posts have been removed, the images have been preserved on the internet for posterity.
As reported by Page Six, Sasha made a striking appearance at the event wearing a sleek, long black gown featuring thin straps and a high slit. She opted to keep her long hair down and accessorized with understated hoop earrings and a pendant necklace, exuding elegance reminiscent of her mother.
Sasha Obama is officially a high school graduate
On June 9, 2019, Sasha Obama achieved a significant milestone: She graduated from high school, as detailed in a report by Us Weekly. This marked the culmination of her four-year journey at the esteemed Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., which has also educated other children of presidents, including Chelsea Clinton, Al Gore III, and the Nixon girls, according to Time magazine.
Sasha graced the occasion wearing a white dress, accompanied by her proud parents and sister, who joined her in celebrating this momentous achievement. Also in attendance were Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, as their granddaughter (and Sasha’s close friend) Maisy also graduated on the same day. Truly, the end of an era!
Sasha Obama attended the University of Michigan
When it came time for college, Sasha Obama broke away from the family tradition of attending Ivy League institutions like Yale or Harvard. Instead, she opted to enroll at the University of Michigan, a prominent public university in the Big Ten, as reported by The Detroit News. This decision led Sasha to become a Wolverine, embracing Ann Arbor as her new home away from home.
During her freshman orientation in the summer, Sasha was spotted by fellow students at the university, accompanied by men likely to be Secret Service agents. Film student Zach Lassen shared an encounter he had with Sasha in a crowded hallway, where she unexpectedly crossed his path. “I was walking by pushing a vacuum and she walked out right in front of me,” Lassen recalled. “I said, ‘Excuse me.'”
Will Sasha Obama join Alpha Kappa Alpha?
Sasha Obama made a departure from her family’s tradition by opting for a public Big Ten university over an Ivy League institution, a path her parents and sister had taken. However, there’s still a possibility that she may follow in her mother’s footsteps in another aspect of her education.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama was bestowed with an honorary membership in the esteemed sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, as reported by Yahoo! Entertainment. Interestingly, Michelle didn’t join this historically Black sorority during her undergraduate years at Princeton University. Instead, she was invited to become a member during her time as the first lady in 2008, which she accepted.
Sasha Obama likely has healthy eating habits
During Michelle Obama’s tenure as first lady from 2008 to 2016, her primary focus was her Let’s Move! initiative, dedicated to combating childhood obesity in the United States. Additionally, she established a garden at the White House and frequently advocated for healthy eating.
As a result, Sasha Obama was raised with an emphasis on cultivating nutritious eating habits, both at home and beyond. Michelle Obama has affirmed this commitment on various occasions, including her remarks to the Food Network, where she emphasized the importance of her daughters consuming vegetables and balanced meals. She even disclosed her strategy of incorporating vegetables into dishes, such as sneaking cauliflower into macaroni and cheese.
Sasha lives with her sister Malia in LA
Sasha Obama transferred from the University of Michigan to attend USC in 2022. As Sasha’s mother, Michelle Obama, revealed during an appearance on NBC News (via Page Six), Sasha moved in with her older sister, Malia, in Los Angeles.
“We were going to take them to dinner, and they said, ‘Why don’t you come over to our spot for cocktails?’ And we were like, ‘OK let’s see what this is going to be like,'” Michelle said. “The martinis were a little weak. I don’t think they really knew what it was.”
Drake considers Sasha Obama a Style Popper
Both Sasha Obama and her elder sister, Malia, have captured the attention of the media, but it wasn’t just journalists and photographers who took notice of the two young women. They’ve also garnered celebrity attention, particularly Sasha. In early 2017, Sasha was spotted enjoying some leisure time in Miami, soaking up the sun.
Us Weekly reported that she was seen on the beach sporting a baseball hat adorned with Drake’s OvO symbol. Not only did Drake catch wind of the photo of Sasha, but he also went a step further by giving her a shout-out on social media. Essence magazine noted that the rapper shared a picture of Sasha wearing the cap, accompanied by the caption, “Style Popper.”
Sasha Obama might be dating the son of a Hollywood actor
In 2022, the Daily Mail reported that Sasha Obama had entered a new relationship. According to the publication, the former First Daughter was romantically involved with Clifton Powell Jr., the son of actor Clifton Powell, recognized for his roles in “Ray” and “Deep Rising.” Clifton, who previously played basketball at the collegiate level, transitioned into a career as a commercial director for prominent sports brands such as Nike and Peloton.
News of Sasha’s new beau surfaced shortly after Michelle Obama shared insights into her daughters’ dating experiences on “The Ellen Show.” Reflecting on their growth, Obama remarked, “Now, they’re bringing grown men home.” She noted the transition from crushes on pop bands to genuine relationships, highlighting their evolution into adulthood.
Despite her mother’s dislike of them, Sasha Obama has a tattoo on her arm
In 2022, reports surfaced suggesting that Sasha Obama may have acquired a tattoo, despite her mother Michelle Obama’s past disapproval of them. As disclosed by the Daily Mail, Sasha was observed with what appeared to be a delicate hot air balloon tattoo adorning her inner elbow. This colorful ink contributes to Sasha’s distinct and personal style.
However, it appears that Sasha diverged from her mother’s stance on tattoos. Michelle Obama previously expressed her disapproval of tattoos, citing the differing cultural significance of tattoos during her generation. On “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Michelle elaborated, “My generation didn’t… tattoos meant something totally different.”
Sasha Obama may be friends with Euphoria actress Storm Reid
When Sasha Obama transitioned from the University of Michigan to USC, she forged new friendships at her new academic home. Amongst them, possibly, is Storm Reid, the acclaimed actress recognized for her roles as Gia in HBO’s “Euphoria” and Riley in the HBO video game adaptation “The Last of Us.”
Reid has been enrolled at USC since 2021, and it seems plausible that she and Sasha may have encountered each other on campus. As evidenced by photos published by the Daily Mail, the duo appears to share at least one class, arriving on campus mere moments apart. While the extent of their friendship remains uncertain, it’s reasonable to assume that Reid and Sasha have crossed paths while pursuing their studies at USC. Given their shared experience of navigating life in the public eye, it’s likely they have plenty to discuss should they choose to connect.
