Meet Barack and Michelle Obama's 2 Daughters – One Looks 'Like Her Dad,' While the Other Is a 'Mini' Version of Her Mom

The former U.S. president and first lady are now experiencing life as empty nesters. Their daughters, who have formed a close friendship over the years, recently took that bond a step further by becoming roommates.

Barack and Michelle Obama share two daughters, and online users note how one “looks like her dad,” while the other is a “mini” version of her mom. Now in their 20s, Malia and Sasha Obama have received praise from both parents.

The sisters share a tight-knit relationship that has been their anchor in public life. Almost four years after their father left the presidency, both girls—Malia at 22 and Sasha at 19—were back in their family home during the pandemic.

With their daughters around, the Obamas valued this unexpected time together. Having Malia and Sasha for dinner every night, playing games, and watching movies brought them immense joy.

With their daughters around, the Obamas valued this unexpected time together. Having Malia and Sasha for dinner every night, playing games, and watching movies brought them immense joy.

As the siblings grew older, their closeness only intensified. As the siblings grew older, their closeness only intensified.

“I think part of what’s been also wonderful is seeing Malia and Sasha become such great friends,” Barack shared.

Though three years apart, their younger days saw typical sibling quarrels over clothes and the occasional squabble, according to their dad.

By young adulthood, that bond had strengthened considerably, culminating in a shared home.

In November 2022, Michelle revealed her muted excitement at the news:

“I was like, ‘Okay, well that’s interesting that you guys are going to try living together. We’ll see how it goes.’”Quietly, she was grateful they found solace in each other, saying,“It’s like the one thing you want for them.”

The sisters settled into their Los Angeles apartment, decorating on a budget with yard-sale finds and Ikea pieces. While they continued to grow closer, Michelle remained cautious about sharing too many details of their private lives.

Reflecting on her book “The Light We Carry,” Michelle admitted openness isn’t generally difficult for her, but discussing her daughters meant setting firm boundaries. She explained that Malia and Sasha reviewed any personal mentions beforehand and reiterated the need to protect them from unnecessary exposure, as they aren’t seeking the spotlight.

Still, their family dynamic remains strong while Malia and Sasha chart their own paths.

Malia: A Creative Force in Film and Television

Michelle and Barack welcomed their first daughter in July 1998. Now 26, Malia received a special birthday post from her father in July 2024.

Barack shared a throwback photo of them holding hands, writing:

“Happy birthday, Malia. One of the greatest joys of my life is watching you grow into the extraordinary woman you’ve become today—and the fact that you’re still willing to hold your dad’s hand in public!”

Malia’s parents have long admired her gentle, reflective nature—qualities they saw even in her youth. She enjoyed collecting keychains, took drama classes, and showed self-sufficiency early on.

Barack recalled a sweet memory of then-six-year-old Malia asking, “Daddy, are we rich?” and being content not to live lavishly, demonstrating a level of empathy that struck him.

Her sense of independence became clearer as she graduated from Sidwell Friends School in 2016 and took a gap year before enrolling at Harvard.

The Obamas prepared to leave the White House around this time, and Barack confessed how quickly his daughter was growing up.

Malia eventually found her calling in entertainment, graduating from Harvard in 2021 and stepping into film and TV. She directed the 2023 short drama “The Heart”…

…and made her television-writing debut on the Prime Video show “Swarm,” created by Donald Glover and Janine Nabers. Described as an “incredible writer” with bold ideas, Malia impressed her colleagues and gained on-set experience as she forged a career in Hollywood.

Her hard work paid off when “The Heart” earned the New Generation prize at the Festival de Deauville in September 2024. Photographs from the event sparked comparisons to both her mom and dad. One user remarked, “She’s her dad’s twin, but her mother is written all over her… she’s amazing.”

Glover later recruited her as a staff writer for the series, where she collaborated with Stephen Glover, Ibra Ake, and other industry professionals. Malia's role in the "Swarm" writers' room brought a fresh perspective to the show's storytelling. With the series centered on characters in their 20s, Nabers valued her insight.

As Malia continued making strides in the entertainment industry, Sasha embraced her own journey, earning just as much love and admiration from her family.

Sasha: Embracing Independence and Success

Barack and Michelle’s second daughter arrived in June 2001. Celebrating Sasha’s 21st birthday in June 2022, Barack posted a sweet throwback of him cradling her as a baby, calling her “my baby girl” and marveling at her growth.

Known for her vibrant spirit, Sasha’s comic timing often warmed the Obama home. Barack recalled an early morning moment: when Michelle turned on the lights, Sasha declared, “Awww, Mommy, we are peace!”—prompting them to jokingly adopt the phrase whenever they needed quiet.

After a diverse childhood including sports, arts, and music lessons, Sasha graduated from Sidwell Friends in 2019 and began her college career at the University of Michigan. Eventually, she continued her studies at the University of Southern California, where she earned a sociology degree in May 2023.

In a subsequent birthday post, many pointed out her strong resemblance to Michelle. “Wow!! Sasha is a beautiful girl as her mom!” one person wrote.

Michelle has enjoyed witnessing her daughters evolve into adulthood. She once joked on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” that Malia and Sasha, who used to adore the Jonas Brothers, now brought home “grown men.” The former first lady credited her own mom’s advice about raising her girls to be responsible, independent individuals.

“They learned how to make their beds, do chores, learn how to drive…” Michelle said, acknowledging how these lessons have shaped Malia and Sasha into the young women they are today.