Michelle Obama tried to keep Malia and Sasha’s drinking and smoking photos out of spotlight

In a rare and emotional interview, former First Lady Michelle Obama has opened up about the intense pressure she faced as a mother raising her daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama, under the constant glare of the public eye during their time in the White House.

Appearing on Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, Michelle described the experience as “a nightmare,” particularly when it came to navigating normal teenage behavior—like smoking, drinking, and dating—while the world watched their every move.

We were trying to keep them out of the tabloids, and that was hard,” Michelle revealed. “I’m trying to make sure I’m not just a First Lady, but a mother first. A protector.”

While other teens could make mistakes in private, Michelle explained that her daughters didn’t have that luxury. Every friend they had, every party they went to, was scrutinized—not just by the media, but by the Secret Service. Background checks were the norm. Spontaneity was a privilege they didn’t get to enjoy.

Despite this, Michelle and Barack Obama remained adamant that Malia and Sasha not be treated like celebrities. “We told them, ‘This is not about you. This is about the country. Don’t let this change who you are.’”

Now adults, Malia, 25, and Sasha, 23, have each carved out their own identities. Malia debuted a short film at the Sundance Film Festival, while Sasha recently graduated from USC with a degree in sociology. Both now live in Los Angeles, away from the spotlight that once followed them relentlessly.

Michelle’s reflections offer a powerful look into the sacrifices made by families of public figures. For all the prestige of the presidency, her words remind us that behind the politics are real people, real parents, and real kids trying to grow up in a world that doesn’t always allow them to be human.